Nature and magnitude of genetic variability studies in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Abstract

The present investigation, an attempt has been made to evaluate the genetic variability of yield contributing characters in sixty-five genotypes of okra collected from different parts of the country. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the genotypes for different morphological characters except number of leaves per plant 90 days after sowing. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were noticed for fruit yield per plot, fruit yield per hectare and vitamin C content indicating maximum variability among the different genotypes. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance over mean obtained for plant height at 90 days after sowing, internodal length (cm) 60 DAS, fruit yield per plant (g), fruit yield per plot (kg), fruit yield per hectare (t) and vitamin C (mg/100g) indicating presence of additive gene effects which indicated the effectiveness of selection for these traits. Presence of high heritability coupled with low genetic advance over mean for days to first flowering and days to 50 per cent flowering that straight selection has limited scope for further improving these traits.