Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path-Analysis in Muskmelon (Cucumis Melo L.)

Genetic variability, correlation and path-co-efficient of yield per vine and its components were studied in ninety-five cultivars of muskmelon. Number of fruits per vine, flesh thickness and yield per vine were recorded to have the maximum geno-typic co-efficient of variation. The high heritability and high genetic advance together were noticed in number of fruits per vine, T. S. S., flesh thickness and yield per vine. Yield per vine had positive significant correlation with number of fruits per vine, fruit weight, T. S. S., flesh thiekness and days to flowering. Path-analysis revealed that the number of fruits per vine, fruit weight, flesh thickness and fruitfly incidence showed positive direct effect on yield per vine while other characters had negative direct effect. It is suggested that the number of fruits per vine and fruit weight which are the main components of yield should be given high priority in the selection programme.