Shefali Chaudhary, Aastik Jha, Sandeep Kumar, Kavita Krushnaji More and Poornima Nirwal
Abstract
This study characterized the morphological diversity of 45 F1 hybrids and 10 parental genotypes of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.) using 15 morphometric traits following DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) guidelines. Field experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications during the Zaid seasons of 2024â25 and 2025â26 in Uttar Pradesh, India. Significant variability was observed in vine length (long, medium, short), stem shape (angular), leaf traits (margin, shape, lobes), and fruit characteristics (length, diameter, shape, skin color, base shape). All genotypes exhibited branched tendrils, while seed shape varied between triangular and rectangular. The results highlight substantial genetic diversity, particularly in fruit morphology, providing valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at enhancing yield, disease resistance, and fruit quality. These findings provide critical baseline information for the development of elite cultivars with enhanced agronomic traits while supporting biodiversity conservation efforts for this important cucurbit species.