Vol. 9, Special Issue 10, Part E (2025)

The present investigation entitled “Development of F₁ Hybrids in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia Linn.) for Hill Zone of Karnataka” was conducted during 2024-25 at the College of Horticulture, Mudigere. Twenty one F₁ hybrids were developed by crossing seven lines with three testers in a Line × Tester mating design and evaluated along with their parents and standard check (Phule Green Gold) in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for most traits, confirming adequate genetic variability. Considerable standard heterosis was observed for yield and quality traits. Positive and significant heterosis was recorded for vine length at 60 DAS (49.15%), number of primary branches per vine at 60 DAS (35.29%), number of fruits per vine (55.62%), fruit yield per vine (80.00%) and ascorbic acid content (25.50%). Earliness was associated with significant negative heterosis for node at first female flower appearance (-35.99%). The hybrid Kashi Urvashi × Pusa Aushadhi was most promising, showing the highest heterosis for yield (80.00%). Among parents, Kashi Urvashi, Arka Harit and Pusa Aushadhi were good general combiners, while Kashi Urvashi × Pusa Aushadhi and Arka Harit × Pusa Aushadhi were superior specific combiners. Predominance of additive gene action, indicated by higher general combining ability variance over specific combining ability, suggested that these promising hybrids can be effectively utilized for genetic improvement of bitter gourd for yield, earliness and quality trait.