Estimation of genetic parameters for some agro morphological traits among Nigeria egusi melon genotypes

Abstract

In order to assess some genetic parameters among Nigerian Melon genotypes; the Melon genotypes were evaluated for their morphological and yield attributes at the Department of Biological sciences experimental garden, Federal University of Technology, Minna during 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 growing seasons, using a complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three replicates. The agromorphological parameters were investigated using standard procedures. The results on the agromorphological parameters showed significant difference (p≤0.05) for most of the parameters studied. The study revealed that all of the agromorphological parameters were influenced by genetic factors such parameters are suitable for selection. Higher estimate for genotypic variances than environmental variances were observed for all the parameters which indicate good characters for selection and improvement of the crop. The highest genetic advance as percentage of mean (2924.2%) was obtained for weight of fruits ; whereas, number of seeds per fruit had the lowest (14.40%). High values of broad sense heritability estimates were observed for plant height at week 4 up to maturity, number of flowers per plant, number of flower buds per plant, days to germination and number of fruits per plant. Therefore, combination of high heritability estimates with genetic advance in the selection program is vital for selection of the crop in the future. Emphasis should be made on those agromorphological parameters that shows greater genetic importance for selection and improvement of the crop in Nigeria.