Heterosis in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula L. Roxb.) for fruit yield and quality traits

The present investigation was conducted to investigate the extent of heterosis in 33 F1 hybrids of ridge gourd for growth, yield and quality traits in four environments comprising of two seasons and two locations during 2017. These 33 hybrids were obtained by crossing 11 genetically diverse inbred lines with 3 testers in line x tester mating fashion. For fruit yield per vine, significant economic heterosis in positive direction against the best check “Kaveri” was reported in three crosses viz., L11 × T3 (41.64%), L8 × T3 (31.59%) and L11 × T2 (11.26%). The significant estimates of heterosis for fruit yield in positive direction were recorded in 12 hybrids over mid parent with range varied from 10.07% to 68.33% and in 5 hybrids over the better parent with range varied from 15.60% to 67.45%. The hybrid L8× T3 exhibited maximum negative heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for days to first harvest followed by hybrid L11 × T2 and L11 × T3. These best performing crosses can be utilized in heterosis breeding programme for improvement of ridge gourd.