Genetic Variation and Character Association Study in Local Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Genotypes of Sikkim

Abstract

Cucumber is one of the most cultivated cucurbitaceous crop throughout the world known for its unique texture. Sikkim is one of the important states of India located in northeast Himalayas known for its richest diversity in the crop like cucumber with unique bigger sized fruit. Knowledge of genetic variability and inheritance patterns paved the way open for selection and further crop improvement. Total ten genotypes of cucumber were collected from different agro-climatic zones of Sikkim grown locally and evaluated under randomised block design (RBD) for measuring the magnitude of variability and genetic association of traits for cucumber improvement. The genotype SC-401 gave maximum mean value of 2.78 kg for fruit weight and SC-40 gave 28.36 kg for fruit yield per plant. All the genotypes performed differently in biochemical parameters. High phenotypic coefficient of variability (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variability (GCV) and heritability estimates coupled with high genetic gain was observed for the fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, and fruit yield per plant. Fruit weight and vine length are highly correlated with fruit yield per plant. It indicated the existence of a wide range of variation and offers wide scope for selection of the traits found in this study will be rewarding for further cucumber improvement.