Genetic analysis in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to obtain information on genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path analysis with respect to various quantitative traits. The experimental material consisted of ten diverse genotypes of okra and forty five F1 crosses generated through 10 x 10 diallel mating design. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits studied. The maximum range and the highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variability was observed for fruit yield per plot. In general the phenotypic coefficients of variation were slight higher than genotypic coefficients of variation, which indicates the minor role of environment in the expression of traits under observation. The estimates of heritability in broad sense were high for all the characters. The present investigation indicates a great scope in the improvement of these traits as these characters in general possessed high estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advancement except for days to first flower, days to first fruit set and days to first fruit harvest, number (high heritability but moderate genetic gain) indicating the preponderance of additive gene action for control of these traits. Number of fruits plant-1, number of nodes plant-1, average fruit weight and average fruit length showed positive correlation both at genotypic and phenotypic levels, hence proved their genetic worth for selection and improvement of okra.