Studies on Evaluation of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) Hybrids for Growth, Yield and Quality Traits

Abstract

A set of ten hybrids of Sponge gourd were evaluated for studying of “Evaluation of Sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) Hybrids for growth, yield and quality traits”. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during the Kharif season, 2020- 2022 at Department of Horticulture, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Naini. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among hybrids for all 10 characters. Out of Sponge gourd  hybrids evaluated for various characters, 5 hybrids were found superior for different characters. These 5 hybrids were found better for more than one character. High genetic advance as % mean (>20%) was recorded for fruit yield per plot(kg) and fruit yield (kg/plant)  along with high heritability . These traits are governed by additive gene effects and therefore, may be improved through direct selection.High value of genetic advance are governed by additive genes resulting in improvement of traits. Hybrid AG-61 (153.30) is performed superior in Prayagraj, having highest fruit yield (q/ha) than other tested hybrids and showing superiority for yield and yield attributes. Fruit yield (kg/plant) showed a positive and significant correlation with Fruit yield (Kg/plot) at both genotypic and phenotypic level.The pattern of group constellation proves the existence of significant amount of variability. The  genetic divergence in selecting result in superior hybrids and desirable recombinations for the yield and quality traits.Thus, selections for these characters will be proved efficient for better yield and improvement of sponge gourd.