Abstract
There is continuing need to identify traits that can facilitate selection of productive progenies. For this, 18 genotypes of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] were evaluated for the extent of genetic variability, heritability, correlation and path analysis among various morphological, reproductive and nutritional characters related to fruit yield over two growing seasons in the Gangetic plains of eastern India.Phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) agreed closely with the genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) but the magnitude of PCV was higher than GCV for almost all the characters studied during both seasons which reflect the influence of environment on the expression of traits. High PCV and GCV values were shown by fruit yield per plant, numbers of fruit per plant and plant height at flowering during both seasons. The remaining traits recorded moderate to low PCV and GCV estimates, indicating that selection for these characters will be less effective. All characters studied exhibited moderate to high heritability. However, pooled genetic advance (GA) expressed as percentage of mean was high for fruit yield per plant, numbers of fruit per plant, plant height at flowering and fruit weight. Characters showing moderate to high genetic gain also showed high heritability, indicating that most genetic variations in these characters were due to additive gene effects. From the correlation and path coefficient analyses, it revealed that the top priority should be given to selection based on numbers of fruit per plant and fruit weight for yield improvement and could be considered while formulating selection indices in the improvement of okra. Key words: Okra, genetic variability, heritability, correlation, path analysis
Highlights
18 genotypes of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] were evaluated for the extent of genetic variability, heritability, correlation and path analysis among various morphological, reproductive and nutritional characters related to fruit yield over two growing seasons in the Gangetic plains of eastern India
High Phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) values were shown by fruit yield per plant, numbers of fruit per plant and plant height at flowering during both seasons
The coefficient of variation (CV) were below 10% for all the characters studied confirming the reliability of the experiment and suggesting less G × E interactions
Summary
Moench) is an important vegetable of tropical and sub-tropical part of the world, mainly grown for its tender fruits, which are cooked and consumed as vegetable (Chattopadhyay et al, 2011). The cultivated okra is popular due to its nutritive and medicinal values and is said to be useful against fever, catarrhal attacks, genito-urinary disorders, spermatorrhoea, gonorrhea, l eucorrhoea and chronic dysentery (Nadkarni, 1927). India ranks first in okra production which contributes 67% of the total world production (Anonymous, 2010). The productivity (10.6 ton/ha) is much less than the potential productivity. Several reasons for low productivity include use of local unimproved cultivars, less adoption of existing commercial varieties/hybrids, and heavy incidence of biotic stresses yellow vein mosaic disease.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
