Gene action studies for quantitative and qualitative traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Abstract

Selection of suitable breeding methodologies in bringing desirable improvement in crop plant require the complete knowledge about the nature of gene action involved in the inheritance of quantitative and quality traits. Gene action of fruit yield and quality traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) were studied through full diallel analysis of 30 F1 hybrids derived by crossing 6 parental lines. The present study indicated the preponderance of non-additive gene action for days to first flowering, node at which first flower appear, fruit length, fruit girth, plant height and number of fruits per plant and a preponderance of additive gene action number of branches, phenol, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. For fruit yield per plant, number of fruit per plant and plant height only dominant component of variance was observed which revealed the presence of non-additive gene action, hence, heterosis breeding is required to be followed for exploitation of these traits.