Estimation of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of yield and related traits in F4 and F5 generations of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench)

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted at the experimental research farm of the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Latur, during the rabi season of 2022 (selfing) and the kharif season of 2023 (evaluation). The study aimed to explore the genetic characteristics of the F4 and F5 generations of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench) derived from three crosses, employing a Randomized Block Design with two replications. Analysis of quantitative traits revealed that the genotypic coefficients of variation were consistently lower than the phenotypic coefficients, underscoring a pronounced environmental influence on trait expression. Notably, traits such as number of nodes per plant, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per plot, and fruit yield per hectare exhibited high values for both genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation. Moreover, several traits including plant height, number of nodes per plant, fruit length, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per plot, and fruit yield per hectare demonstrated high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean in the F4 and F5 generations of the cross Phule Vimukta × Arka Abhay (C-3: P4 × P1). This findings are detailed in Tables 1 and 2.