Genetic diversity analysis in sponge gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca)

Sponge gourd is versatile summer vegetable having potential applications across many sectors. Twenty sponge genotypes were studied at the Department of Vegetable Science, College Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, for study variability in morphological, yield and biochemical traits. Significant difference existed among all characters under study. In general, Phenotypic Coefficient Variation (PCV) was higher than Genotypic (GCV) traits evaluated, which indicated influence environment on these High estimates PCV GCV recorded node number first staminate flower, primary branches per plant, fruits fruit calcium, iron fibre content. heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a cent mean evident most morphological suggested additive gene action controlling Genotypes IC-343160, IC-332319 IC-312949 yielders. The grouped into seven clusters based Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Cluster VII had highest (5) followed by cluster VI (4), intra distance maximum VII. Inter between I III. Therefore, exploitation heterosis, should be selected from