Assessing the genetic diversity of squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) genotypes based on agro-morphological traits and genetic analysis

An experiment was conducted to estimate the genetic variability of 15 indigenous and exotic squash genotypes assessing 18 quantitative and 8 qualitative traits. Results showed that the accessions have high variability in qualitative traits like fruit size, fruit shape, fruit skin colour,lustre and fruit productivity, which allowed selection for considerable gains in these characteristics. The quantitative traits such as fruits yield per plant, fruit weight, length, diameter and total yield per hectare showed the greater phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) along with higher heritability which can helps to identify desirable genotypes. The obtained significant and positive correlation between fruit yield with number of leaves, nodes, fruit length, weight and number could assist in selection to improve this crop. Cluster analysis resulted in the formation of 4 groups, confirming the genetic variability among the studied genotypes. Eventually, the attained PCA analysis result revealed that the number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, fruit length and days to first female flowering are the most discriminating traits which are accelerating the variability in squash genotypes. On the basis of the yield and its attributing traits, First Runner is the best genotype suited in this environment.