Studies on Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits

Little information is available regarding genetic control and inheritance of economically important traits in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.). Previous genetic studies of this crop used a narrow range of germplasm and in different environmental conditions. Thirty one genotypes of bitter gourd were accessed concerning the variability, heritability and genetic advance for 12 quantitative traits. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters. The estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were higher than corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) which indicated that variation is not only due to genotypes, but, also due to the influence of environment. High PCV and GCV values were obtained for average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, vine length and fruit length which suggest the presence of substantial variability for the traits thereby ensuring ample scope for improvement of these characters through selection. High heritability in broad sense coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for fruit length (cm), number of nodes per vine, fruit diameter (cm), node number to anthesis of first staminate flower, fruit yield per plant, average fruit weight (g) indicating such characters were controlled by additive gene action. Selection on the basis of these characters could be more effective for the improvement of bitter gourd.