Studies on combining ability in okra through line x tester analysis

Abstract

Assessment of combining ability in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) was done in the current investigation using a line x tester mating design. From 11 female lines and 3 testers, 33 cross combinations were made using the LxT mating design, and enough F1 seeds were produced in the summer of 2021. The F1 were planted in kharif 2021 to evaluate the effectiveness of various crosses with three checks. The experiment was conducted at the Breeder Seed Production Unit, VNMKV Parbhani. The best male parents in the current investigation were found to be IC-45800 and Parbhani Kranti. The best general combiner was found to be lines EC-305613, EC-305675, and VROR-159 when the GCA effect was taken into account. To distinguish transgressive segregants from succeeding generations of segregating individuals, these lines can be used in transgressive breeding programmes. EC-305653 x IC-45800, EC-305612 x Parbhani Kranti, EC-305741 x IC-45800, EC-305652 x Parbhani Kranti, and EC-305664 x IC-45800 were the top five crosses for the particular combining ability effect. Among the thirty-three crosses, these nine were found to be the best in terms of desirable specific combining ability effect and high per se performance for fruit yield.