Genetic evaluation and correlation study in cucumber

Abstract

The magnitude of the genetic variation, the extent of environmental influence, the heritability coefficients and the association of these characters with yield were evaluated in 36 half-sib cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) progenies. These progenies were obtained from a population originated by crossing of eleven cultivars and hybrids used as basic material for a cucumber breeding program in the tropics. The environmental influence was high and the heritability was minimal for fruit number and maximal for quality index. High heritability values were also obtained for number of extra type fruits (NFE), with length above 18 cm. The phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients were high and statistically significant for NFE vs. yield, and number of fruits vs. yield. This suggests that selection for plants with longer fruits and for profilic plants can result in better yield.