Studies of character association and path analysis for productivity and quality traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Abstract

Thirty three hybrids were developed by crossing seven lines and three testers in L x T fashion for twenty six parameters for productivity and quality traits. The variance due to parents vs. hybrids was also significant for all traits except plant height at 45 DAS, Internodal length 45 DAS, days to first flowering, fruit diameter and seed yield per plant. The study on correlation found that total fruit per plant had positive and highly significant correlation with plant height, first flowering node, number of nodes per plant, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight. From path analysis it became clear that plant height at 90 DAS, days to first harvest, number of nodes per plant, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, exerted direct positive effect towards fruit yield per plant. Thus selection could be made relying on average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant for high yielding types. The information presented here about quality traits of okra showed the potential nutritional importance of okra and it has role in improved nutrition.