Variability of yield and yield components in “egusi” melon

Abstract

Egusi melon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf.) is an important food crop in Nigeria and other African countries. In a study carried out to estimate the components of variation in 'egusi' melon populations indicated high proportion of genetic variation in the yield attributes measured. Estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation ranged between 3.6-52%, while genotypic coefficient of variation ranged between 3.21-51% for seed yield plant RÉSUMÉLe melon "Egusi" (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf.) est une important culture alimentaire au Nigeria et autres pays africains. Une étude portée sur l'estimation des composants de variation des populations du melon "Egusi" avait indiqué une proportion élevée de la variation génétique dans les caractéristiques mesurées. Pour le rendement en grain et le nombre de fruits par plant, le coefficient de variation phénotypique et génotypique variait de 3.6-52% et de 3.21-51% respectivement. L'estimation de l'héritabilité était élevée dans les paramètres de rendement avec des valeurs d'héritabilité variant entre 83et 98% pour le rendement en grain par plant. L'estimation de l'amélioration génétique expectée du rendement en grain par plant variait entre 25.90-48.40%. L'amélioration du rendement en grain pourrait être faite sur base de sélection.

Genetic Performance of Some Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thumb.) Mastum and Nakai] Genotypes in Humid Tropical Agro-ecology

“…This could be an indication that the higher broad sense heritability estimate, higher genetic again could led to higher morphological trait to derived expected benefit and gain for effective selection response by the farmers. This report confirmed studies of Ndubauka et al (2015), Ogbonna and Obi [15] and Gabriele and Todd [27] on high heritability estimate and genetic gain for fruit weight in Equsi melon and watermelon.…”

“…This high GCV could be an indication of the genetic variation present in the expression of the characters. This result confirmed Ogbonna and Obi [15] which observed high proportion of genotypic coefficient of variation for number of branches per plant and number of flower per plant in Equsi melon.…”

“…This could be an existence of genetic variation that were moderately superior to environmental variance for number of branches per plant, number of male flowers per plant and number of fruits per plant. Ogbonna and Obi [15] also observed a moderate heritability for number of fruits per plant, number of days to 50 % flowering, weight of fruits per plant and fruit yield in Egusi melon. Afangideh et al [28] observed similar genetic variation in cucumber.…”

“…Afangideh and Uyoh [10]' Afangideh et al [11]; have earlier affirmed the existence of genetic variation in cucumber in respect to number of branches per plant, vine length per plant, number of pod per plant and seed yield per plant. Agah et al [12], Kumar and Wehner [13,14] and Ogbonna and Obi [15] have also reported variation in morphological traits among watermelon genotypes.…”

“…This could be attributed to high proportion of genetic variation for yield. High PCV and GCV were reported in watermelon seed yield by Ogbonna and Obi [15]. Thus high genetic variability coupled with high heritability estimates offer a most suitable condition for selection [19].…”