Non-hierarchical euclidean cluster analysis in pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.)

摘要

Pointed gourd or parwal (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) is most important vegetable crop of family Cucurbitaceae. It is extensively cultivated in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam and to a lesser extent in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Recently this crop has been introduced to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Germplasm collection, maintenance and evaluation for economically important traits is a pre-requisite for genetic improvement programme of any crop. However, very narrow genetic base of pointed gourd is a major constraint for the development of its improved varieties. The phenotypic variability present in this crop is mainly due to genetic divergence of different genotypes existing in local names in different areas (Singh et al., 5; Umesh et al., 6). Since pointed gourd occupies unique position among vegetable growers due to high tonnage and maximum net returns, an experiment was conducted on its non-hierarchical eucIidean cluster analysis for further improvement.