Vol. 9, Special Issue 8, Part K (2025)

The field study titled “Varietal evaluation of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) hybrids under Prayagraj agro climatic conditions” was undertaken during kharif 2024 at the Vegetable Research Field, Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The present investigation assessed eight bitter gourd hybrids under the agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj, focusing on germination behavior, vegetative growth, flowering traits, yield performance, and fruit quality characteristics. Among the hybrids, Abhijit consistently demonstrated superior performance across most parameters. It recorded earliest germination (6.67 days) and earliest female flowering (27.33 days). In terms of growth, it produced the longest vines (3.20 m) and highest number of fruits per vine (7.23). Abhijit also led in average fruit weight (2.88 kg/vine) and maximum fruit length (13.03 cm) and diameter (5.22 cm). In quality traits, Sikandar recorded the highest total soluble solids (4.50 °Brix) and vitamin C content (60.33 mg/100 g). For yield potential, Abhijit achieved the highest fruit yield per hectare (18.23 q/ha), gross return (₹4,73,980/ha), net return (₹3,19,180/ha), and B:C ratio (3.26), indicating its economic superiority. Swati 222 and TMBI 3346 followed Abhijit in overall performance, while Paras consistently ranked lowest across multiple parameters. Performance differences among the hybrids were likely influenced by their genetic background, environmental adaptability, and physiological vigor. The results strongly suggest that Abhijit is the most promising hybrid for high-yield, quality production, and profitability in the Prayagraj region.