Combining Ability Analysis in Ridge Gourd [Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.]

Abstract

Ridge gourd is popularly known as kalitori and also called as angled gourd, angled loofah, Chinese okra, silky gourd and ribbed gourd. Ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (L).Roxb] or Ribbed gourd is an underexploited vegetable crop and it is an important Cucurbitaceous vegetable crop. It is grown as mixed crop in the river bed areas and as monocrop in the garden lands. It is widely grown in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Ridge gourd belongs to genus Luffa of Cucurbitaceae and has a chromosome no. 2n=2x= 26. The genus derives its name from product "Loofah" which is used in bathing sponge, doormats, pillows and cleaning utensils. Ridge gourd, being predominantly monoecious, is a cross pollinated crop and provides ample scope for utilization of the hybrid vigour. During recent years, the exploitation of hybrid vigour and selection of parents on the basis of combining ability have expanded a new alley in crop improvement. These studies are generally used to assess the performance of lines in hybridization programme and to understand the gene action involved in different characters.