Evaluation of F 1 Hybrids in Bitter Gourd ( Momordica charantia L.) for Yield and Quality

To study the combining ability and heterosis for yield and quality characters, full diallel analysis was carried out in bitter gourd during January - April 2008 (Thai pattam), with 10 diversified parents, at Research Farm, Horticultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Coimbatore. Parental mean and gca effects revealed that the parents Preethi, CO-1, MC-30, Uchha Bolder, Green Long and MC-105 were the best genotypes for improvement of yield, combined with quality characters. Hybrids, viz., Preethi x MC-30, KR x USL, MC-105 x MC-10 and Priyanka x CO-1 registered favourable values for mean, significant sca and standard heterosis for yield and quality parameters. Hence, these hybrids are recommended for commercial exploitation of heterosis. Comparison of parental gca and sca of hybrids revealed that hybridization between good x good, good x poor, medium x poor and poor x good combiners gave rise to hybrids with significant sca effects. Considering the mean performance, sca and standard heterosis, hybrid 'Preethi x MC-30' registered favourable values for the most important characters like earliness, number of fruits, fruit yield and quality. Top performing F₁ hybrids can be tested over seasons and locations for assessing stability for high yield and quality.