Sharma, MadhuMandeep Kaur2022-02-032022-02-032021Mandeep 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 bengalensis (Unpublished M.Sc.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.https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810181660The 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.EnglishThesis