Character association, heritability and path analysis for yield and its contributing traits in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

A study was conducted to calculate character association, genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and path analysis for yield and its 11 contributing traits in 32 bitter gourd genotypes including two checks at main experimental station of N.D.U.A. &T., Faizabad in summer 2011. ANOVA represents highly significant treatment differences for all the traits representing inherent genetic difference among the genotypes. PCV and GCV were found to be highest for fruit yield per plant followed by number of fruit per plant. Highest heritability and genetic advance in per cent of mean was estimated for number of fruit per plant followed by fruit length suggesting predominance of additive and non-additive gene action. Five most promising high yielding genotypes identified in order to merit of fruit yield per plant were NDBT-12, NDBT-10, NDBT-83, Pusa Do Mausami, and NDBT-15. NDBT-66 and NDBT-71 was found good for early maturity. Fruit yield per plant represent highly significant and positive association with number of fruit per plant followed by average fruit weight and negatively associated with node number to anthesis of first pistillate flower at genotypic level. Maximum positive direct effect value was observed on fruit yield per plant by number of fruit per plant followed by average fruit weight while maximum negative direct effect value on fruit yield per plant contributed by node number to anthesis of first staminate flower at genotypic level.