Genetic variability and characters association for fruit yield and yield traits in cucumber

The present study on variability, heritability, genetic gains, correlation coefficients and path coefficients in twenty five diverse cucumber genotypes was carried out for fruit yield and yield attributing traits.The genotypes exhibited significant differences for all the traits under study. A wide range of variability along with estimates of PCV and GCV was observed for days to 1st female flower anthesis, number of primary branches/plant, number of fruits/plant, number of node bearing female flowers/plant, fruit length, fruit weight, cavity of fruit at edible stage and fruit yield/plant. High heritability and high expected genetic gain were observed for days to 1st female flower anthesis, number of primary branches/plant, number of fruits/plant, fruit length and fruit diameter, 100-seed weight, cavity of fruit at edible stage and fruit yield/plant indicate that these characters had additive gene effect and therefore, these are more reliable for effective selection. Correlation coefficient and path coefficient revealed that fruit yield could be successfully improved upon by making selection for greater number of primary branches/plant, and number of fruits/plant.