Estimation of Heterosis for Yield and Quality traits in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is a tender, edible fruit in the genus of Momordica which is a climbing vine belongs to the family cucurbitaceae. The genus Momordica has about 80 species among which Momordica charantia L. is most cultivated species having chromosome number 2n = 22.Eastern India or southern China consider as the center of origin of bitter gourd (Walters and DeckerWalters 1988; Miniraj et al., 1993). Bitter gourd is also known as ‘karela’ in Hindi which may be Dravion origin (Turner, 1966). Due to its pharmaceutical, antidiabetic property and high nutritive value in terms of ascorbic acid and iron it is considered as prized vegetable among cucurbits (Behera 2004).