Characterization of bottle gourd genotypes for DUS traits Mahapatra Sourav, Sureja A. K.*, Behera T. K.1, Verma Manjusha2 Division of Vegetable Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India 1ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi221 305 2ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi110 012 *Corresponding author's Email: aksureja@gmail.com
Online published on 12 July, 2022. Abstract Ninety-one bottle gourd genotypes were characterized for 13 different qualitative traits and 4 quantitative traits as per the DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability) guidelines of PPV&FRA. The observations pertaining to the morphological descriptor and quantitative traits, the genotypes were grouped into different categories. All the genotypes were monoecious with tri-lobed leaves except JBG-51 which had penta-lobed leaves. Ovary length (on the day of anthesis) and peduncle length were maximum in IC-0146365 and Pusa Santusthi, respectively. Fruit shape at marketable maturity was elongated curved in maximum number of genotypes and the check Arka Bahar. Most (79.1%) of the genotypes were with straight neck, few (2.2%) had crooked neck and 18.7% had no neck at marketable maturity stage. Variability was also observed for fruit skin colour at marketable maturity stage. Seventy-one (78%), 13 (14.28%) and 4 (4.39%) genotypes had light green, mottled and green skin colour, respectively. On the basis of shape of apex at peduncle end of fruit, the genotypes were grouped as raised, flat and depressed. There was variation in intensity of pubescence on the fruit surface of different genotypes. Seed texture at marketable maturity stage, seed shape, and intensity of brown colour of seed testa were also recorded in order to differentiate the genotypes morphologically. The expression of characters remained consistent over two consecutive seasons indicating their uniformity. These genotypes can be successfully utilized as reference for protection of other varieties under PPV&FR Act, identification and grouping of bottle gourd varieties and for development of elite varieties/hybrids. Top Keywords Lagenaria, Fruit shape, Ovary, Peduncle, Seed colour, Leaf morphology. Top |