Mean performance, correlation and path coefficient analysis in sponge gourd under arid environment of western Rajasthan

During the investigation, 26 genotypes of sponge gourd were evaluated for 12 traits, revealing significant differences and substantial genetic variability. Mean values for key traits like node at first female flower appearance, internodal length, and vine length were 10.97, 10.68 cm, and 3.14 m, respectively. Yield-related traits, including fruit length (22.07 cm), fruit diameter (3.19 cm), and fruit weight (99.85 g), also showed notable variation. The Thar Tapish and Pusa Sneha cultivars and AHSG-23, AHSG-25, AHSG-28, VRSG-140, VRSG-6 and VRSG-3-13 genotypes performed best under hot arid environmental conditions. Strong phenotypic and genotypic correlations were observed among yield components, with traits like fruit length, fruit weight, and marketable fruit yield per vine showing positive associations. Path coefficient analysis revealed that marketable fruit yield per vine had the highest direct positive effect on total marketable fruit yield, followed by vine length and fruit weight. The traits like internodal length and node at first female flower appearance showed negative effects. Indirect effects were also significant for traits like fruit length, fruit diameter, and number of marketable fruits per vine.