GENETIC DIVERSITY OF SNAPMELON (CUCUMIS MELO L. VAR MOMORDICA) BASED ON MORPHO-CHEMICAL TRAITS FROM NEHREGION OF INDIA

摘要

Study on genetic diversity was conducted with 20 snapmelon (Cucumis melo L.var. momordica) genotypes of Indian origin. Sixteen quantitative characters were taken into consideration. Cluster analysis was used for grouping of 20 snapmelon genotypes under the study and grouped into five clusters. Cluster I had maximum (9) and cluster IV and V had the minimum number (1) of genotypes. Highest (9321.228) inter cluster distance was observed between cluster IV and V and lowest (404.349) between cluster I andIV. Cluster III (D2 = 53 8.09) have exhibited highest intra cluster distance and lowest was observed in cluster II (D2=23.605). Characters viz. ascorbic acid and titrable acidity contributed maximum towards divergence. Genetic divergence among 20 genotypes revealed that the genotype CHFSM5 from cluster V was more divergent for improving number of fruit per plant, TSS and ascorbic acid content. Genotypes CHFSM4 and CHFSM11 from cluster II are found to be promising lines for improving vine length, primary branches per plant, fruit diameter, fruit weight and flesh thickness. These genotypes may be taken into consideration as parents for an efficient hybridization programme of snapmelon.