Stability Analysis of Yield and Its Components in Snap Melon (Cucumis melo var momordica)

Abstract

Snap melon, scientifically known as Cucumis melo L. var. momordica (Roxb.), is a crop native to India and belonging to Cucurbitaceae family. This study was carried out to assess the nature and magnitude of genotype-environment interaction and stability among some parameters in snap melon genotypes. Twenty five local cultivars along with three standard checks were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications at three environments during summer 2023 at Navsari. The Eberhart and Russell model of stability analysis was employed which has been proved to be a reliable model. The study revealed that the mean sum of squares due to genotypes when tested against pooled deviation were highly significant for all the traits studied. Environment ´ Genotype (linear) showed significant differences for all characteristics except fruit weight and yield per vine, indicating that prediction could be possible by considering individual genotypes for these traits. A significant non-linear component (pooled deviation) was observed for fruit weight and fruit yield per vine, suggesting that genotypes varied considerably in terms of stable performance for these traits. The G ´ E interaction was only significant for flesh thickness and yield per vine, with all other traits being non-significant. The genotypes T 14 (HUB 18) and T 17 (HUB 21) were relatively stable and can be further used as parents to develop a more robust stable genotype. We identified genotypes which could pave way introducing high performing snap melon varieties.