Evaluation of F1 hybrids for growth, yield and quality traits in pumpkin (Cucurbita moshata Duch. ex Poir.)
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Date
2021
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Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
The present investigation entitled, “Evaluation of F1 hybrids for growth, yield and quality
traits in pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch. ex Poir.)” was envisaged with the objectives to
identify heterotic hybrids for summer and rainy seasons. The hybrids of pumpkin and
butternut group were developed by randomized crossing of 25 diverse genotypes at Vegetable
Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.
The analysis of variance exhibited significant difference for all the horticultural and quality
traits during both seasons. The existence of high genetic variability among genotypes for
majority of traits can be exploited to develop heterotic hybrids, because of their high
heritability and genetic advance. On the other hand, days to 1st and 50% female flowers, days
to 1st and 50% male flower and days to harvest had low genetic variation, which suggested
hybridization involving divergent genotypes will be fruitful to generate variation. The
significant positive correlation of 16 traits (average fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit flesh
thickness, leaf blade width, leaf blade length, petiole length, vine length, number of primary
branches, node at 1st female flower, days to 1st and 50% female flowers, days to harvest,
peduncle diameter, dry matter, vitamin C and carotenoid content) offered the scope for better
gain in yield through improvement of these traits. According to per se performance, majority
of the hybrids showed noteworthy improvement for all traits as compared to their parents in
desirable direction. Among 46 hybrids, H4, H7, H9, H10, H28, H37 and H38, being high
yielding can be exploited for commercial cultivation. While H11, H14, H18, H38, H42 and
H43 hybrids can be utilized for intensive cultivation due to their bushy growth habit. The
early maturing hybrids, H11, H14, H16, H17, H38, H41 and H42 can fetch high price by
capturing markets early. The hybrids like H3, H14, H31 and H33 of pumpkin group and all
the hybrids of butternut group due to their small fruit size and quality have the potential to
cater the needs of consumers’ from elementary families. The hybrids with bigger size and
high carotenoid content which can be explored for transportation and processing included
hybrids- H7, H9, H10, H27, H28, H29, H43, H44 and H45. The 11 hybrids of pumpkin group
(H24, H25, H26, H27, H28, H29, H30, H31, H32, H33 and H34) offer advantage of
cultivating in both seasons due to their tolerance against PYVMD. These hybrids however
need to be tested under multilocation trials to confirm their potential for commercialization.
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Mandeep Kaur (2021). Evaluation of F1 hybrids for growth, yield and quality traits in pumpkin (Cucurbita moshata Duch. ex Poir.) bengalensis (Unpublished M.Sc. thesis). Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.