Phenotypic stability and horticultural performance of cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 2001-2002 to study phenotypic stability and horticultural performance of 33 genotypes of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). All the breeding lines exhibited significant differences for yield/plot, fruits/plot, node at which female flower appeared, number of nodes, number of branches and vine length. The linear component of genotype x environment interactions were significant for all the characters except for days to first male flower, days to first female flower and number of nodes indicating that the lines had divergent linear response to environmental change. Correlation coefficient between the stability parameters revealed that deviation from regressions and ecovalence played a significant role in stability of the genotypes for yield/ plot, fruits/plot, number of nodes, number of branches and vine length. Positive association between deviation from regression and ecovalence for characters yield/plot, fruits/ plot, number of nodes, number of branches and vine length indicated that these stability parameters played significant role in stability of genotypes. Stability analysis further revealed that the breeding lines CH 45-20-10, CH 32-36-6 and improved varieties 'Swarna Ageti' and 'Swarna Poorna' were stable with high yield, less than unit regression and non-significant deviation from regression showing suitability for commercial exploitation.