Variability studies in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Abstract

Sixty selected genotypes of okra were evaluated in one location for two years at Chatha, Jammu during 2009-10 and 2010-11. The objective was to study the genetic variability between various economically important traits for the purpose of genetic improvement. The experimental trial was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD), with three replications. The data collected included Sepal size, Petal size, Flower circumference, Mature bud length, Carpel length, Pollen fertility count, pedicel length, Fruit length at marketable stage, Fruit width at marketable stage, Number of ridges per fruit, fruit length at mature stage, Number of fruits per plant, Fresh fruit weight, Length of beak, Dry fruit weight, Fruit colour, Number of seeds per fruit, Seed weight per fruit, Shelling percentage, 100 seed weight and Seed yield per plant. Analyses of variance and other genetic analyses such as genetic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance were performed. The estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for all the characters. The results shows variation in all genotypes and characters. Characters such as seed yield per plant and number of fruits per plant showed high genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance which indicates that selection of these characters will show a positive response in improvement.