Evaluation of Different Genotypes of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica M. Roem.) for Growth Yield and Fruit Quality in Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

An experiment was conducted to find out the best suitable genotypes of Sponge gourd in Prayagraj Agro-climatic conditions in the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj (U.P.), during Zaid season of the year 2021. 22 genotypes including one check genotypes which are procured from Indian Institute of Vegetable Research center(IIVR),are evaluated and the experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The observations were recorded on growth, yield and Fruit quality. The results revealed that among all the IET/2020 SPGVAR-7 and AVT I/2019 SPGVAR-3 performed well in earliness parameters viz. Days to germination (6.69days),Days to first male flowering (51.533days), appearance of first male flower on node(3.6) and appearance of first female flower on node (7.81). In terms of vine Length maximum was recorded in AVT I/2019 SPGVAR 4 (4.9m). Fruit length was maximum in IET 2020 SPGVAR 3(25.7cm), Fruit Diameter was maximum in AVT I/2019 SPGVAR-5 (3.24cm). Weight of 5 fruits was maximum in IET/2020 SPGVAR-6 (129.4 grams). And among all the genotypes IET/2020 SPGVAR-4 performed will in yield parameters viz. Yield per plant (1.48kg) and yield per hectare (66.88 Quintals/hac).