Per se performance of genotypes and correlation analysis in Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex Poir).

Evaluation of 15 pumpkin genotypes collected from various sources was carried out. Observations were recorded on the following traits viz. vine length, days to first female flower appearance, node number for first female flower appearance, sex ratio, days to first harvest, fruit number per vine, fruit weight, fruit equatorial diameter, fruit polar diameter, flesh thickness, seed number per fruit, seed weight per fruit and fruit yield per vine along with quality traits such as total carbohydrates content, total carotenoids content and crude fibre content of the fruit and analysed statistically. Among the genotypes, CM6 followed by CM10 and CM9 recorded the highest mean value of fruit yield. Correlation analysis revealed that fruit yield per vine was significantly and positively correlated with fruit number per vine, flesh thickness and total carotenoids content. However negative association was observed with days to first female flower appearance, node number for first female flower appearance, sex ratio, days to first harvest, fruit weight, fruit equatorial diameter, fruit polar diameter and crude fibre content. Hence selecting pumpkin genotypes with narrow sex ratio, more number of fruits per vine, fruits with high flesh thickness and total carotenoids content will help to improve yield per vine and quality of pumpkin fruits.