Abstract

                                Vellari melon (Cucumis melo L.) is grown in India for its tender and ripe fruits. Lack of genetic variation limited its production potential. Heterosis has been widely used in agriculture to increase the yield. The present study aimed to exploit the heterotic vigor in Vellari melon and to find out the association of fruit yield with other fruit yield components for further crop improvement. Five crosses were made using Vellari melon and muskmelon, heterosis and correlation coefficient studies were carried out. The cross involving ARY x AJ (C5) alone recorded heterobeltiosis for fruit yield and number of fruits per vine in melon. The trait, number of fruits per vine showed positive and strong association with fruit yield. Whereas the other yield component characters were independent towards fruit yield.

Key words : Vellari melon, heterosis, correlation co-efficient, heterosis, yield component characters