Abstract

For the estimation of genetic parameters (such as heterosis effect, potence ratio, combining ability and reciprocal effects) of five fruit traits, in order to suggest breeding strategies in Citrullus mucosospermus (Fursa), a field trial was carried out at Kononfla city in Western Côte d’Ivoire using 4x4 full diallel. All 12 F1 hybrids and their parents were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. A positive heterosis effect relative to mid-parental values was observed to hybrids having one parent Bebu for characters’ fruit weight, fruit diameter and fruit volume. Variances due to general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities were significant (PË‚0.001) for all studied traits, indicating the involvement of both additive and non-additive gene actions in the inheritance of these traits. Non-additive gene effects were predominant for all studied traits. Bebu was the best general combiner for all traits except fruit number which the best combiners were three morphotypes of Wss. For NF, Wss1×Wss2 and Wss2×Wss3 recorded the highest positive SCA values. Crosses involving Bebu as one parent, presented the best SCA values for other traits. 

Key words: Bebu, Wlêwlê small seeds, heterosis, potence ratio, combining ability.

Abbreviation

GCA, general combining ability; SCA, Specific combining ability; B, Cultivar Bebu; das, Days after sowing; Wss, Wlêwlê small seeds; FM, Fruit maturity period; NF, Number of fruit per plant; FW, Fruit weight; FD, Fruit diameter; FV, Fruit volume.