Evaluation of F2 Population in Bitter Gourd

Abstract

An investigation of the F2 population of genotypes in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)” was conducted during Kharif season 2023-24 at the Horticulture Research Scheme (Vegetable), Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Parbhani, using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with twenty treatments and two replications. Growth parameters like vine length and number of branches were recorded at the final harvest stage, with the maximum vine length observed in IC-085618 x Arka Harit (5.95 m) and the highest number of branches per vine in IC-085618 x Phule Green Gold (21.68). IC-085617 x CO-1 recorded the lowest node for first male flower appearance (12.36), while IC-085618 x Phule Green Gold showed the earliest male flower opening (37.47 days). Phule Hirkani had the lowest node for first female flower appearance (16.78), and IC-085618 x Konkan Tara showed the earliest female flower opening (46.44 days), 50% flowering (55.56 days), and first fruit harvest (58.11 days). IC-085618 x Phule Green Gold excelled with the highest number of female flowers per vine (69.99), fruits per vine (40.23), fruit yield per vine (3.92 kg), yield per hectare (24.86 q/ha), fruit length (19.43 cm), fruit weight (86.59 g), and longest duration to final harvest (137.18 days). IC-085617 x CO-1 had the highest fruit diameter (4.39 cm), and IC-505639 x CO-1 recorded the maximum flesh thickness (7.29 mm). Regarding quality, IC-085618 x Arka Harit was superior, showing the highest ascorbic acid content (113.43 mg/100g) and lowest incidence of Powdery mildew (10.57%) and Yellow mosaic virus (7.25%). Based on the results, IC-085618 x Phule Green Gold was identified as the most promising genotype for yield and fruit quality traits, while IC-085618 x Arka Harit was notable for superior nutritional quality and disease resistance.