Analysis of combining ability and extent of heterosis for yield and its related traits in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

A study was conducted to assess the general, and specific combining abilities and the extent of heterosis for yield traits in bitter gourd. Identifying genetically superior parents is crucial for hybrid development, and combining ability analysis is an effective tool for selecting desirable parents for hybridization programs. Field experiments were conducted at the College of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem during Kharif, 2019. Six lines were crossed with three testers in the Line × Tester mating design, which yielded wide range of variability in yield related traits. Results showed that the parental lines (IC 505637 and IC 470553) and testers (Pusa Vishesh and Pusa Do Mausami) were observed to be the best general combiners for yield related traits. The crosses IC 470553 × Pusa Do Mausami (5.45%), IC 470553 × Pusa Vishesh (1.36%), and IC 505637 × PDM (0.30%) recorded positive standard heterosis over check VNR 22 for fruit yield. The cross IC 470553 × Pusa Do Mausami exhibited desirable specific combining ability (SCA) effects on all evaluated traits. Certain characters such as days to the first female flower, the node at the first male flower, average fruit weight, fruit yield per vine, and fruit yield per hectare were observed to be controlled by non-additive gene action. Therefore, we suggested that selected parents and crosses could be considered for use in bitter gourd hybrid breeding programs.