Estimation of Heterosis for Yield and Quality Traits in Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (mol.) Standl.] Over Seasons under Salt Affected Soil

Present investigations were carried out in bottle gourd to assess the magnitude of heterosis over better-parent and standard variety for yield and quality traits. Twenty seven bottle gourd hybrids generated by crossing 9 lines with 3 testers cross, along with their twelve parents evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replication at the Main Experiment Station (which is salt affected), Department of Vegetable Science, ANDUA&T, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, during the of Zaid seasons of year 2020 and 2021. The pooled estimates of heterosis for total fruit yield per plant ranged from -9.71% (Narendra Pooja × Narendra Rashmi) to 119.39% (NDBG-13 × Narendra Rashmi) and -1.57% (Narendra Pooja × Narendra Rashmi) to 116.18% (NDBG-13 × Narendra Rashmi) over better parent and standard variety, respectively. The best heterotic cross for number of fruit per plant was NDBG-21 × Pusa Naveen and NDBG-13 × Narendra Rashmi was over better parent and standard variety, respectively. Maximum heterotic effect in respect of number of fruit per plant was found in the cross NDBG-21 × Pusa Naveen over better parent and NDBG-13 × Narendra Rashmi over standard variety and maximum picking duration was observed in the cross NDBG-Sel-1 × Narendra Prabha over better parent and standard variety. In terms of fruit yield per plant the highest heterobeltiosis was shown by the crosses NDBG-13 × Narendra Rashmi and standard heterosis was observed in cross NDBG-13 × Narendra Prabha. The soil type of experimental site was sandy loam with average fertility level and pH in the range of 7.5-8.5.