Correlation and path coefficient analysis in for quantitative traits in f₂ population in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Abstract

The experiment was carried out during kharif-2016 at Regional Horticultural Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat. Correlation and path coefficient analysis of 12 quantitative characters in 148 F2 plants from cross AOL-09-02 x AOL-10-22 and 160 F2 plants from cross AOL-09-02 x GAO-5 were studied. In F2 population of both crosses, fruit yield/plant exhibited positive and highly significant correlation with number of fruits/plant, plant height at final harvest, internodal length, number of branches/plant and fruit length indicating that these characters are the primary yield determinants in okra and selection criteria based on these characters would be beneficial for improvement of fruit yield/plant. Positive direct effect on fruit yield/plant was recorded for number of fruits/plant, fruit weight, 100 seed weight and fruit girth in F2 populations of both crosses. While for days to first flowering and number of seeds/fruit in F2 population of AOL-09-2 x AOL-10-22 and for days to first picking, plant height at final harvest, number of branches/plant at final harvest and fruit length in F2 population of AOL-09-2 x GAO-5. Direct selection practiced on these characters will result in improvement in yield. In F2 population of both crosses, internodal length had negative and direct effect on fruit yield/plant. In F2 population of AOL-09-2 x AOL-10-22, number of branches/plant at final harvest, fruit length, plant height at final harvest and days to first picking had negative and direct effect on fruit yield/plant. In F2 population of AOL-09-2 x GAO-5, number of seeds/fruit and days to first flowering had negative and direct effect on fruit yield/plant. These important traits may be viewed in selection programme for the further improvement of okra.