Genetics of yield attributing traits in sponge gourd

Sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica (Roem) L.) belongs to family cucurbitaceae. It is mostly used as vegetables and different dishes. The results of the present investigation was conducted using partial diallel crosses and evaluated for qualitative and quantitative traits. Among 45 hybrids, cross VR-104 x VR-103 was found to be the highest yielder (2.15 kg. Per vine) and having very attractive colour, shape, size and fruit quality. This hybrid showed 91.62 per cent yield superiority over mid parent, 62.72 per cent over better parent and 101.88 per cent over check. Most of the important traits were governed by dominance gene (h)action. It is also proposed for further evaluation in multi location testing of this hybrid before its commercial exploitation.The overall assessment of the present investigation indicated the importance of additive as well as non-additive genes in the population. Therefore, the breeding plan, which can exploit both type of gene action i.e., recombination breeding with recurrent selection is proposed for the improvement of yield and yield components in sponge gourd.