Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Muskmelon (Cucumis Melo Linn.)

Development of a variety needs exact information on genetic variability and heritability among the available accessions. Estimation of variation in a population is an effective tool for the breeder to design the testing procedures in order to identify superior genotypes. Genetic variability in a population is a result of genetic and environmental factors. To apportion the observed variability of these two factors, parameters such as genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) have to be assessed. Heritability is another index for calculating the influence of environment on the expression of the genotype. Burton (1952) suggested that GCV together with heritability estimates would give best picture about the extent of advance to be expected by selection. Muskmelon is an unexploited vegetable crop and very less breeding programmes have been used to exploit available genetic variability. Therefore, an attempt was made to gather information on extent of variability, heritability and genetic advance for twelve quantitative characters in 44 diverge genotypes of muskmelon.