Genetic Studies in Ridge Gourd [luffa Acutangula (L.) Roxb.]: Biometrics: Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient

In ridge gourd significant differences were observed among genotypes for all the characters studied. PCV was higher than GCV for all the characters studied. High heritability with high genetic advance over per cent of mean was observed for vine length and number of leaves at 90 DAS, node to first female flower, sex ratio, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per plot, fruit yield per hectare, average fruit weight, fruit length, number of seeds per fruit and seed yield per fruit indicates that these are governed by additive gene action and offers good scope for improvement by simple selection. The character association shows that the fruit yield per plant highly significant and positive association with vine length 45 and 90 DAS,days to last harvest, sex ratio, per cent fruit set, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plot, fruit yield per hectare, fruit length, fruit diameter, rind thickness, flesh thickness, seed yield per fruit. Selection for these traits will improve the yield. Path co-efficient analysis revealed that number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight had high direct effect on fruit yield per plant.