Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Native Melon (Cucumis melo var. agrestis L.) Genotypes Using Morphological Traits

Abstract

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an important vegetable crop grown worldwide having large genetic variability in morphological traits like fruit size, shape and forms. The present study was carried out to estimate genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in 41 genotypes of melon for eleven quantitative traits at Research Farm, Division of Vegetable Science, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi during spring-summer 2022 following randomized block design with three replications. A wide range of variation was observed amongst the studied traits. The highest PCV and GCV (>20%) was observed for traits like average fruit weight (38.91%, 38.81%), fruit length (37.65%, 37.55%), node to first male flower (36.80%, 36.41%), node to and fruit shape index (28.31%, 28.03%). Low PCV and GCV estimates indicate least environmental factor in the expression of the traits. High heritability coupled with high GAM was observed for almost all the traits studied with highest observations recorded for average fruit weight, fruit length, node to first male flower and fruit shape index, indicating that additive gene action governed these traits and therefore, these traits can be effectively improved through direct selection. The findings of this study can be further validated by evaluating the same genotypes in subsequent seasons or different locations to confirm trait stability. Overall, the best performing genotypes can be utilized in yield, quality traits and in future resistant melon breeding programme.