Combining ability analysis over environments for fruit yield per vine and its components in bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol) Standl.)

Combining ability analysis in bottle gourd was studied through line (10) x tester (4) matting design over three environments (sowing dates) for fruit yield per vine and its component traits. The analysis of variance indicated significance of both additive and non-additive type of gene action in the expression of fruit yield per vine and its related traits. However, non-additive gene action played predominant role in expressing of all traits except for fruit length whereas other traits an additive gene action was more important. The parents ABGS 11-23, JBGL 42, JBGL 43, NDBG 104,NDBG 132, NDBG 604, ABG 1 and Pusa Naveen, showing significant gca effect in desired direction for fruit yield per vine and some fruit yield contributing traits. The best five crosses viz., JBOGL 01-59 x LCL 1, ABGS 11-17 x PSPL, ABGS 11-17 x ABG 1, DVBG 94 x LCL 1 and JBGL 43 x Pusa Naveen were good sca effect in desired direction for fruit yield per vine which involved either average or good general combiner parents, indicating the importance of non-additive gene action for fruit yield per vine and the potential of heterosis breeding for improving the productivity of bottle gourd.