Genetic Variability and Character Association in Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)

Abstract

Genetic variability, heritability (h2
), genetic advance, character association and path analyses were carried out in 35
accession of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.). The observations were recorded on 13 characters. The high phenotypic
(PCV) and genotypic (GCV) coefficience of variation was observed high for yield and fruit weight, while, the lowest
phenotypic and genotypic coefficience of variation were observed for number of days to first female flower anthesis
followed by number of day to 50% male flower anthesis and number of days to 50% female flower anthesis. High
heritability along with high expected genetic advance were recorded for number of days to 50% female tlower
anthesis, TSS and number of days to first male tlower anthesis. Yield has positive and significant correlation with
fruit weight, fruit diameter, length, flesh thickness and rind thickness at both phenotypic and genotypic level. The
fruit weight, fruit diameter, length, flesh thickness and rind thickness had positive correlation coefficient among
themselves. Higher and positive direct effect on yield was exerted by fruit diameter followed by number of fruits,
fruit weight and rind thickness. Direct selection based on fruit diameter and fruit weight results in an appreciable
improvement for total yield. Besides direct selection for fruit yield, indirect selection through the fruit length and
number of fruits should be considered for further improvement of yield.