Dissection of yield components through correlation, path analysis and selection indices in multi-parent F₂ progenies of Okra

Abstract

This study investigated the genetic association of fruit yield and its contributing traits in a large F₂ population comprising 800 progenies developed from multi-parent crosses of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). Twelve quantitative morphological and yield-related traits were evaluated during kharif 2021 to quantify phenotypic correlations; partition direct and indirect effects using path coefficient analysis and formulate efficient selection indices for yield improvement. Fruit yield per plant was positively and significantly correlated with traits including the number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, plant height, number of internodes, and fruit dimensions, highlighting their substantial contribution to overall yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that the number of fruits per plant (0.7234) and average fruit weight (0.5443) had the strongest direct effects on yield, whereas other traits, such as plant height and internode number, affected yield indirectly by influencing these primary yield components. Selection index analysis demonstrated that indices incorporating multiple traits were superior to straight selection for fruit yield. Among the 31 indices tested, the five-trait index comprising fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, number of internodes and plant height recorded the highest genetic gain and relative efficiency (116.74%). Overall, the findings emphasize that simultaneous improvement of fruit number, fruit weight and associated plant architecture traits would substantially enhance the effectiveness of okra breeding programmes aimed at developing high-yielding cultivars.