Combining ability analysis in sponge gourd [Luffa cylindrica (Roem.) L.]

Combining ability analysis was carried out in 9 x 9 diallel cross of sponge gourd excluding reciprocals. The estimated component of variance of sca were higher than gca for all the characters except days to first picking indicating the predominance of non-additive gene actions for most of the characters under study. Three parents viz NSG-28, JSGL-71 and JSGL-72 were found good general combines for fruit yield and were also good general combiners for some of fruit yield contributing Characters offer the worth considering in further breeding programme. The crosses NSG-28 x CHSG-1, JSGL-71 x JSGL-70 and JSGL - 71 x Pusa Chikni combinations can be tested for promotion of F1 hybrid in sponge gourd.