Comparative analysis of genetic diversity in Bottle gourd Lagenaria siceraria Mol Standl using RAPD and ISSR markers for developing crop improvement strategies

Abstract

Among the all cultivated cucurbitaceous vegetables, bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.) with chromosome no. 2n = 22, is an annual monoecious crop synonymously called as calabash gourd. For the above investigation twenty-four genotypes collected from various states adjoining Bihar including breeding lines developed, collected and maintained at department. The genotypes of bottle gourd laid out in statistical design named Randomized Block Design with 3 replications in spring summer season of 2014 and 2015, respectively to examine the magnitude of variability and genetic diversity for several traits horticultural importance. In morphological study genotypes performed significantly in all traits studied, however BRBG-65 (591.10 q/ha) was proved to be high yielder with supporting traits like yield of marketable fruits/plant (15.19 kg) and no. of fruits/vine (14.85) in pooled analysis of both season than compare to the all three check varieties used in past study. Traits like fruit length, fruit circumference, no. of fruits per vine, yield of marketable fruits/vine, no. of seeds/fruit and fruit yield/hectare exhibited high GCV and PCV. Almost all the traits under study shown high percentage of heritability with maximum genetic advancement percentage for the traits like fruit length, fruit circumference, average fruit weight, no. of fruits/vine, yield of marketable fruits/vine, no. of seeds/fruit and yield per hectare. newline