Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis study for minerals and fruit quality traits in different horticultural groups of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)

Abstract

This experiment was carried out to estimate the extent of genetic variability and character association among different fruit quality traits and fruit yield in 67 genotypes of muskmelon from 3 horticultural groups. The experimental results exhibited significant differences among the genotypes for all the fruit quality attributes under study. On the basis of yield and fruit quality attributes, 7 superior genotypes viz., DM-162, DM-159, DM-143, DM-145, DM- 31, and DM-56 were identified. Further, high heritability estimates coupled with high genetic gain were observed for all the fruit quality traits under study, which indicated that these traits are under additive gene effects and are more reliable for effective selection. The correlation coefficients (phenotypic and genotypic) among different phytonutrients content along with fruit yield exhibited highly significantly positive association with phosphorus (0.374), potassium (0.451), calcium (0.223), magnesium (0.206) and iron content (0.217). Total soluble solids exhibited significant positive association with vitamin C (0.687), total carotenoids (0.292), zinc (0.252), iron (0.192), manganese (0.146), copper (0.161) and fruit yield per plant (0.156). However, TSS showed significantly negative correlation with acidity (-0.875) and sodium content (-0.177).Path coefficient analysis at genotypic level revealed that total soluble solids showed direct positive effect (0.348) on yield and indirect positive effect via total carotenoids (0.031), potassium (0.009), calcium (0.006), magnesium (0.009) and negative indirect effects via acidity (-0.120), vitamin C (-0.077), zinc (-0.075) and copper content (-0.051) and ultimately exhibited significant positive correlation (0.143).