Parbhani Kranti Research Articles

Evaluation of Okra Varieties under Sub-humid Plains of South-East Rajasthan for Morphological and Phenological Traits

Vegetable crop okra is well known for its Indian vegetable export and household consumption, contribution and thus should be explored for cultivation under various agro climatic zones. Enhanced production of this crop is only possible via improved and high yielding cultivars in comparison to other cultivars grown at same time or under same condition. Hadoti region of South-East Rajasthan, can serve a okra production in better way if the productive varieties can be screened for this region, which is lacking till date. Hence an experiment is made to recommend a variety, which performs better under South-East climatic conditions of Rajasthan. The present study was conducted in the summer season during 2022 and 2023 at the Instructional Farm, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Career Point University, Kota, Rajasthan. 12 varieties of okra viz. Parbhani Kranti, Parbhani Bhindi, Arka Anamika, Shahiba, Shan, No. 55, Harita, Jhilmil, No. 64, Sonal, Shakti, and Punjab Selection were evaluated in Randomized Block Design, with three replication. Analysis of variance revealed that all varieties differed significantly for all the traits. The results concluded that, variation for earliness, growth, yield and quality parameters as well. These results showed presence of significant varietal effect. However, the present study demonstrated the superiority of Arka Anamika over other varieties in terms of maximum mean plant height (89.07 cm), number of leaves per plant (25.64), number of branches per plant (13.88), leaf length (19.03 cm), leaf width (25.32 cm) and leaf area (250.04 cm2) while minimum mean days taken to flowering opening to fruit picking (5.51 DAS) and days taken to first picking (47.16 DAS) was recorded in variety Punjab Selection under soil and climatic condition of Hadoti region of Rajasthan.

Impact assessment of natural variations in different weather factors on the incidence of whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Genn. and yellow vein mosaic disease in Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

Bemisia tabaci Gennadius, also renowned as the silver leaf whitefly, is among the most damaging polyphagous insect pests in many commercially important crops and commodities. A set of field experiments were conducted for three consecutive years i.e., 2018–2020, to investigate the role of variations in rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity on the abundance of B. tabaci in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). In the first experiment, the variety Arka Anamika was cultivated twice a year to analyse the incidence of B. tabaci concerning the prevailing weather factors and the overall pooled incidence recorded during the dry and wet season was 1.34 ± 0.51 to 20.03 ± 1.42 and 2.26 ± 1.08 to 18.3 ± 1.96, respectively. Similarly, it was observed that the highest number of B. tabaci catch (19.51 ± 1.64 whiteflies/3 leaves) was recorded in morning hours between 08:31 to 09:30 a.m. The Yellow Vein Mosaic Disease (YVMD) is a devastating disease of okra caused by begomovirus, for which B. tabaci acts as a vector. In another experiment, screening was conducted to check the relative susceptibility of three different varieties viz., ArkaAnamika, PusaSawani, and ParbhaniKranti against B. tabaci (incidence) and YVMD ((Percent Disease Incidence (PDI), Disease Severity Index (DSI), and Area Under the Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC)). The recorded data was normalized by standard transformation and subjected to ANOVA for population dynamics and PDI. Pearson's rank correlation matrix and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) have been used to relate the influences of various weather conditions on distribution and abundance. SPSS and R software were used to create the regression model for predicting the population of B. tabaci. Late sown PusaSawani evolved as a highly susceptible variety in terms of B. tabaci (24.83 ± 6.79 adults/3leaves; mean ± SE; N = 10) as well as YVMD i.e., PDI (38.00 ± 4.95 infected plants/50plants), DSI (71.6–96.4% at 30 DAS) and AUDPC (mean β-value = 0.76; R2 = 0.96) while early sown Parbhani Kranti least susceptible to both. However, the variety ArkaAnamika was observed as moderately susceptible to B. tabaci and its resultant disease. Moreover, environmental factors were predominantly responsible for regulating the population of insect pests in the field and hence its productivity like rainfall and relative humidity were negative while the temperature was positively correlated with B. tabaci (incidence) and YVMD (AUDPC). The findings are helpful for the farmers to choose need-based IPM strategies than timing-based, which would fit perfectly with the present agro-ecosystems in all ways.

Influence of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) genotypes on growth, yield and biochemical traits

A field experiment was conducted at vegetable research farm of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) during 2019–21 to evaluate the performance of 8 improved genotypes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) and compare them with the popular check genotype in terms of yield attributes and yield, quality and biochemical traits. Among the okra genotype, DOV-44≥Punjab Padmani≥Kashi Kranti produced significantly (P<0.05) higher pod weight as compared to the remaining cultivars and recorded an improvement of 10.7–16.4% for pod weight over the local check (Parbhani Kranti). DOV-44 ≥Punjab Padmani ≥Kashi Kranti produced 110.7–120.1% higher okra pod yield over the check (Parbhani Kranti) averaged over the years. Significant positive correlation of yield attributes like days to 50% flowering (r= 0.5294*, P<0.05) leaf length (r= 0.8217**, P<0.001), pod length (r= 0.6863*, P<0.05), pod diameter (r= 0.7866*, P<0.05) and pod weight (r= 0.8417**, P<0.001) with okra pod yield also affirmed it better performance as compared to local check. Among the cultivars, chlorophyll A among the cultivars also varied significantly (P<0.05) from 7.26 in DOV-88 to 5.13 in Pusa Bhindi-5. Calcium content was observed highest in Kashi Kranti (93.67) ≥ DOV-88 (92.00) and it was 21.5–23.8% higher than local check (Parbhani Kranti). The genetic make-up responsible for higher growth, better physiological and biochemical attributes may help in improving adaptive capacity for achieving optimal productivity. Thus, exploring improved genotypes suitable to J&K ecosystem promises improvement of okra productivity along with maintaining better biochemical traits in the J&K of India and other similar agro-ecological regions.

Screening of genotypes of okra against major sucking pests infesting okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

The present investigation entitled “Screening of different genotypes of okra against major sucking pests infesting okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)” was carried during kharif season of 2019-2020 at Central Experimental Station, Wakawali. Forty genotypes were screened against leaf hoppers, aphids and whiteflies under field condition. The genotypes showed different responses for different sucking pests. The highest mean population of leaf hoppers was recorded on the genotype Pusa Sawani (8.08), while lowest was observed on Kashi Pragati (3.93) per three leaves. In aphids, the most promising genotype was Kashi Pragati (4.90) mean population per three leaves, while genotype Pusa Sawani was most infested by aphid (7.55) per three leaves. Highest whiteflies infestation was recorded on genotype Parbhani Kranti (4.97) and lowest was noticed on genotype Kashi Pragati (2.95).

Development of Interspecific Hybrids (Abelmoschus Esculentus × A. Tetraphyllus) in Okra Using Embryo Rescue Approach

Undomesticated related species are the rich stock of genes providing resistance to various diseases, pests and unfavourable environmental conditions. The sexual incompatibilities are bottleneck in introgression of such genes from wild species to popular varieties. The present study was executed to standardize a protocol of embryo rescue so to obtain the hybrids of Abelmoschus esculentus × A. tetraphyllus IC141017. Crosses were made between four (Arka Anamika, Pusa Makhmali, Parbhani Kranti, Jammu Okra-05) cultivated varieties of okra (A. esculentus) and a wild species (A. tetraphyllus IC141017) in reciprocal manner. Out of the four popular cultivars used in crossing, fruit set was recorded in Arka Anamika, Pusa Makhmali, Parbhani Kranti only when A. tetraphyallus IC141017 was used as a male parent. Fruit showed distal cracking after 25 d of pollination. The seeds appeared healthy for up to 15 d after pollination and later shrivelled and became pale yellow. Cross combinations, viz., Parbhani Kranti × A. tetraphyllus IC141017, Arka Anamika × A. tetraphyllus IC141017 and Pusa Makhmali × A. tetraphyllus IC 141017 showed the highest shoot regeneration on MS media containing 0.5 mg l-1 NAA + 1.0 mg l-1 IBA. Greatest number of shoots per explant (0.92±0.12) as well as the highest frequency of shoot regeneration (86±0.12%) was reported in Parbhani Kranti × A. tetraphyllus IC141017. Arka Anamika × A. tetraphyllus IC 141017 (86±0.12%) and Pusa Makhmali × A. tetraphyllus IC 141017 (82±0.13%) resulted in high frequency of shoot regeneration on MS media containing 0.5 mg l-1 NAA + 1.0 mg l-1 IBA. It can be inferred that MS media containing on 0.5 mg l-1 NAA + 1.0 mg l-1 IBA showed positive results in regeneration of interspecific hybrids of okra.

Effect of biofertilizer, liquid organic manures along with inorganic fertilizers on economic yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

An experiment was conducted at Department of Horticulture, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, during kharif 2019 to study the effect of biofertilizer, liquid organic manures viz., Panchagavya, Vermiwash, Jeevamrit and Cow urine on economic yield of okra in the open field condition. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with fifteen treatments replicated twice by using the variety Parbhani Kranti. The various types of liquid organic solutions prepared from plant and animal origin are effective in promotion of growth and increasing yield in okra. Different concentration of liquid organic manures like Panchagavya (500 lit/ha), Vermiwash (100 lit/ha) and Cow urine (100 lit/ha) were given at 15, 45 and 75 DAS through foliar spray and Jeevamrit (500 lit/ha) and biofertilizer like Azospirillium (2.5 lit/ha) was applied through drenching at 15, 45 and 75 DAS along with Recommended dose of fertilizers (N:P:K::100:50:50]. The observations on yield parameters were recorded during the investigation. On the basis of observations recorded, the result of the present investigation revealed that, combined application of different organic liquid manures along with recommended dose of fertilizer has significant effect on economic yield of okra as compared to RDF alone. The yield parameter like weight of fruit (14.15 g), length of fruit (12.97 cm), diameter of fruit (14.81 mm), number of fruit per plant (20.73), fruit yield per plant (293.32 g) and fruit yield per ha (162.95 q/ha) were significantly superior in the treatment T14 [RDF + Jeevamrit + Vermiwash + Panchagavya] and it was found to be significantly superior over other treatments and gives best results as compared to Control (100:50:50 N:P:K kg/ha).

Studies on genetic divergence (D2) for fruit yield and its contributing traits in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench]

The present investigation entitled “Studies on genetic divergence (D2) for fruit yield and its contributing traits in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench]”, was conducted during Kharif 2019. The experiment comprised of thirty genotypes at Main Experimental Station, Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj), Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. The study of genetic divergence among the thirty genotypes of okra was carried out using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The thirty genotypes of were grouped into six different non over lapping clusters Table 1. Cluster II was the biggest consisting of 8 genotypes followed by IV consisting (6 genotypes), V consisting (5 genotypes), cluster I, III (4 genotypes) and cluster VI has 3 genotypes. Experimental material for study consisted of 30 genotypes including three checks (Parbhani Kranti, Pusa Sawani and Pusa Makhmali). The experiment was conducted in Randomised Block Design with three replications. Each genotypes consisted of three rows spaced 60 cm with plant to plant spacing of 30 cm. Observation were recorded for fourteen different characters of okra i.e. node to first flower appearance, days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), crop duration, number of branches per plant, days to first fruit harvest, number of nodes per plant, total soluble solid (⁰B.), fruit length (cm), fruit circumference (cm), average fruit weight (g), number of fruits per plant, marketable fruit yield per plant (g) and total fruit yield per plant (g).

Estimation of standard heterosis over environments for fruit yield and its attributes in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Heterosis breeding has proven to be a potential method of increasing yield in the crops. It enables early identification of superior/potential crosses which is necessary to handle the material in advance generations, effectively and gainfully. An experiment was conducted to evaluate 35 genotypes in four different environments at Navsari Agricultural University. The experimental material consisted of 35 genotypes; representing 24 hybrids developed in line x tester mating of 10 diverse parents and commercial hybrid check ‘OH-102’. Significant and high estimates of standard heterosis were observed for fruit yield/plant in all environments. Among the hybrids, AOL-16-04 x Parbhani Kranti was consistent with respect to higher heterotic effect for fruit yield/plant across the environments, while cross AOL-16-04 x Arka Anamika was consistent for heterotic effects in environments E1, E2 and E3 and the cross NOL 17-09 x Arka Anamika was consistent in E1, E3 and E4 for fruit yield/plant. These crosses may be exploited for commercial cultivation and may also be advanced as those would likely yield superior transgressive segregants.

Development of Interspecific Hybrids (Abelmoschus Esculentus × A. Tetraphyllus) in Okra Using Embryo Rescue Approach

ABSTRACT: Undomesticated related species are the rich stock of genes providing resistance to various diseases, pests and unfavourable environmental conditions. The sexual incompatibilities are bottleneck in introgression of such genes from wild species to popular varieties. The present study was executed to standardize a protocol of embryo rescue so to obtain the hybrids of Abelmoschus esculentus × A. tetraphyllus IC141017. Crosses were made between four (Arka Anamika, Pusa Makhmali, Parbhani Kranti, Jammu Okra-05) cultivated varieties of okra (A. esculentus) and a wild species (A. tetraphyllus IC141017) in reciprocal manner. Out of the four popular cultivars used in crossing, fruit set was recorded in Arka Anamika, Pusa Makhmali, Parbhani Kranti only when A. tetraphyallus IC141017 was used as a male parent. Fruit showed distal cracking after 25 d of pollination. The seeds appeared healthy for up to 15 d after pollination and later shrivelled and became pale yellow. Cross combinations, viz., Parbhani Kranti × A. tetraphyllus IC141017, Arka Anamika × A. tetraphyllus IC141017 and Pusa Makhmali × A. tetraphyllus IC 141017 showed the highest shoot regeneration on MS media containing 0.5 mg l-1 NAA + 1.0 mg l-1 IBA. Greatest number of shoots per explant (0.92±0.12) as well as the highest frequency of shoot regeneration (86±0.12%) was reported in Parbhani Kranti × A. tetraphyllus IC141017. Arka Anamika × A. tetraphyllus IC 141017 (86±0.12%) and Pusa Makhmali × A. tetraphyllus IC 141017 (82±0.13%) resulted in high frequency of shoot regeneration on MS media containing 0.5 mg l-1 NAA + 1.0 mg l-1 IBA. It can be inferred that MS media containing on 0.5 mg l-1 NAA + 1.0 mg l-1 IBA showed positive results in regeneration of interspecific hybrids of okra.

Correlation coefficient and path analysis in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

The present experiment was carried out entitled “Correlation coefficient and Path analysis in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]” was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm of the Department of Horticulture, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya- Vihar, Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow (U.P.) during the summer season from February 2017 to May 2017. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The experimental materials consisting sixteen variable genotypes of okra viz. Pusa Sawni, Parbhani Kranti, IC-093724, Arka Abhay, IC-04484-B, VRO-4, VRO-5, IC-117263, VRO-6, Kashi Kranti, IC-128095, IC-117027, IC-033329, IC-117265, IC-042451and IC-090184. The maximum genotypic correlation coefficient and phenotypic correlation coefficient was observed for number of fruit per plant. The genotypic path coefficient revealed highest positive direct effect on fruit yield by plant height.

Exploitation of heterosis for yield and yield related traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

The present study was conducted in okra to estimate the magnitude of heterosis and to identify superior cross combinations for yield and its component traits. Thirty six F1s were developed by crossing 6 lines viz., Pusa Sawani (L1), Parbhani Kranti (L2), Arka Abhay (L3), Arka Anamika (L4), AE 65 (L5) and 14/11 (L6) and 6 testers viz., AE 64 (T1), AE 66 (T2), AE 17 (T3),14/4 (T4), 14/5 (T5) and 14/10 (T6) of okra in line x tester design during summer of 2018. All the 36 F1s along with their 12 parents (6 lines and 6 testers) and one standard check (Bhendi Hybrid CO 4) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with two replications at Department of Vegetable Crops, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Significance of mean squares due to treatments revealed the presence of considerable amount of genetic variability among the parents and cross combinations for all yield and yield attributing traits. The relative heterosis recorded the highest of 39.71 per cent in L3 x T2 (Arka Abhay x AE 66) in which twenty one cross combinations were positive and significant. Heterobeltiosis (dii) registered the highest of 28.65 per cent in Pusa Sawani x 14/4 (L1 x T4) in which eighteen cross combinations were significant and positive. The standard heterosis (diii) over check hybrid Bhendi Hybrid CO 4 recorded the highest of 37.12 per cent in Arka Anamika x 14/10 (L4 x T6) and twenty hybrids are positive and significant. Based on the results of the heterosis studies, it is clear that none of the 36 F1 hybrids of okra exhibited any consistency in terms of the direction and degree of heterosis over three bases viz., relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for all the characters studied. In the present study, the magnitude of standard heterosis was found to be highly variable in direction and magnitude for all the characters under study. Negative heterosis was desirable for the traits viz., days to first flowering, days to 50 per cent flowering, internodal length and per cent disease incidence in respect to yield while positive heterosis was considered to be desirable for the remaining traits viz., plant height, number of branches per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant. Arka Anamika x AE 17 (L4 x T3) expressed significant and positive standard heterosis over the standard parent Bhendi Hybrid CO 4 for eleven traits. The same cross combination Arka Anamika x AE 17 (L4 x T3) recorded significant and negative standard heterosis over the standard check for days to first flowering, days to 50 per cent flowering and per cent disease incidence. Similarly, the cross combination Arka Anamika x 14/10 (L4 x T6) recorded significant standard heterosis over the standard parent Bhendi Hybrid CO 4 for eleven characters. The cross combination of 14/11 x 14/4 (L6 x T4) also noted significant standard heterotic effect over the standard parent for ten traits. AE 65 x 14/4 (L5 x T4) is another best hybrid in terms of heterotic effect over the standard check in which it revealed significant values for nine traits. Considering the above facts, the above mentioned hybrids i.e., Arka Anamika x AE 17 (L4 x T3), Arka Anamika x 14/10 (L4 x T6), 14/11 x 14/4 (L6 x T4) and AE 65 x 14/4 (L5 x T4) could be selected for further improvement in yield and yield attributing components.

In vitro and field screening of okra cultivars against Fusarium wilt disease

Eleven varieties and thirteen hybrids of okra were screened both in laboratory and field conditions against okra wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV). None of the varieties showed immune-like response (SI) and high level of resistance (HR). However, seven varieties showed intermediate resistance (IR), and three varieties recorded intermediate susceptibility (IS) reaction. The maximum disease index was recorded in Parbhani Kranti (53.57%) followed by Varsha Uphar (53.33%) varieties in comparison to susceptible check Pusa sawani (76.70%). In field trial, artificial sick plot was created. Among the okra varieties, Arka Abhay recorded lowest wilt incidence (25.62%) followed by Aruna (27.78%). Whereas as, susceptible check Pusa Sawani recorded highest wilt incidence of 71.49 per cent. Rest of varieties showed on par disease incidence. The data also revealed that rest of varieties showed moderate disease incidence with on par with each other in comparison to the susceptible variety. However, Supriya hybrid showed moderate susceptible reaction and eight hybrids exhibited susceptible reaction and four hybrids showed the highly susceptible reaction.

Genetic variability studies for yield, yield contributing and quality traitsin okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.]

The present investigation was carried out during Kharif 2014. The experimental material consists of 40 different genotypes of okra with three checks Arka Anamika, Parbhani Kranti and Pusa Sawani. The materials were grown in randomized block design with three replications during Kharif 2014 on the field of Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, VNMKV, Parbhani. The investigation carried out in the present study revealed that the genotypes 136 Thin, 003163, Kashi Pragati, Kashi Vibhuti and BO 13 showed better performance for traits namely plant height, length of fruit, calcium content, iron content, vitamin C content and fruit yield per hectare. Among the genotypes 136 Thin and 003163 had given highest yield. The high genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for characters namely number of branches, yield per hectare, yield per plot and yield per plant. All these traits indicate additive effect showed response for selection. High heritability estimates were found for characters like number of branches, yield per plot, iron content, yield per plant, plant height, vitamin C content, number of seeds per fruit (dry fruit), fruit bearing node and calcium content indicated good inheritance of these characters. High heritability coupled with high expected genetic advance was observed for characters like plant height, calcium content, yield per plant and yield per hectare, indicated presence of additive gene action and phenotypic selection may become more effective for desired genetic improvement.

Comparison of north carolina designs for the study of genetic variances in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

The progenies developed through North Carolina Designs (NCD I, II and III) in F 2 populations of okra viz., HRB-55 x Kamini (cross 1) and BO-13 x Parbhani Kranti (cross 2) were used to study the genetic variances. The results indicated that none of the additive variances was found significant in NCD I in both the crosses. Additive gene action was observed for plant height, number of nodes/plant, inter-nodal length, fruit length, number of fruits/plant and average fruit weight in NCD II for both the crosses, and fruit length and average fruit weight for cross 1 in NCD III. None of the dominance variances was significant in NCD I and NCD III in both the crosses. Dominance gene action was important for fruit girth in both the crosses, for fruit yield in cross 1 and for fruit length in cross 2 in NCD II. Considering the significance, signs and SE of genetic variances, NCD II was found to be the most reliable matting design for the study of genetic variances among NC Designs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Key words NCD I, NCD II, NCD III and Okra

Variability among north carolina designs in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

The progenies developed through North Carolina Designs (NCD I, II and III) in F 2 populations of okra viz., HRB-55 x  Kamini (cross-1) and BO-13 x  Parbhani Kranti (cross-2) were  used to study the variability. The results of yield, plant height, number of nodes per plant, fruit girth and average number of fruits per plant was observed higher in NCD II for both the crosses. The value of CV was also higher in NCD II for yield, average number of fruits per plant and fruit weight in two cross. The test of significance between the means of progenies developed through North Carolina designs I, II and III for yield per plant, plant height, number of nodes per plant and intermodal length was observed significant in both cross. The average fruit length indicated significant difference in all the designs for both the crosses barring NCD I and NCD II in cross 1. The fruit girth was significantly higher in NCD II over NCD I in cross 1. The mean fruit weight was found more in NCD I for the cross 1 and NCD III for the cross 2. Early flowering  was observed in NCD II for the cross 1 and it was significant with NCD I. The higher value of  CV  was observed in NCD II for the cross 1 and NCD III for the cross 2 for flowering.

Combining ability analysis in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

An experiment on okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] was conducted with 20 genotypes in 17 line × 3 testers fashion during 2012-2013 to procure 51 F1s and 51 F2s in RBD with three replications at HRC, Department of Horticulture, SVPUA&T, Meerut, to study the combining ability of various agronomic and economically important traits for genetic improvement and their effect in the population. Among the parents under study IC 218872 for plant height, VRO 5 for days to flowering, plant height, length of internode and yield/plant showed higher gca effect, whereas crosses IC 306053 × Parbhani Kranti (PK), C 7801 × Parbhani Kranti (PK), Azad Bhindi 2 × Parbhani Kranti (PK), BO 2 × Azad Krishna, FB 10 × Parbhani Kranti (PK) and VRO 1668 × Azad Krishna were showed significant positive effect for more than one character indicating their utility in further breeding programme. The best parents and their crosses are utilized in breeding programme for the improvement of yield components.

Effect of seed soaking and foliar sprays of plant growth regulators on physiological and yield attributes of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.] var. Parbhani Kranti

Effect of seed soaking and foliar sprays of plant growth regulators on physiological and yield attributes of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.] var. Parbhani Kranti

Correlation between leaf hopper and whitefly population with phenol and sugar contents of okra leaf

The total soluble sugar in leaves of okra genotypes ranged from 2.47% (AKOV-107-04) to 3.82% (AKOV106) followed by 3.75% (AKOV-98-04-1), and 3.71% (Parbhani Kranti). The phenol content in leaves of okra genotypes ranged from 1.92 (AKOV-106) to 2.64 mg/g (AKOV-107-04). The total soluble sugars and phenols present in leaves of okra genotypes had non significant correlation with leaf hopper and aphid incidence.

Breeding Okra for Higher Productivity and Yellow Vein Mosaic Tolerance

Improving yield and ensuring its sustainability under adverse conditions through resistant hybrids is the major objective of heterosis breeding in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). A study was undertaken to determine gene action, heterobeltiosis, and combining ability for 15 characters through a Line × Tester mating design in okra. Nonadditive gene action controlled all characters studied. Crosses showing high specific combining ability (sca) and yield involved parents showing high general combining ability for plant height, number of nodes on the main stem, number of leaves per plant, fruit diameter, fruit weight, and number of fruits per plant. Parental lines and hybrids were categorized according to disease reaction. The hybrids ‘VNR Green’ × ‘Shagun’ and ‘Barsha Laxmi’ × ‘Parbhani Kranti’ were selected on the basis of their mean (per se) performance, heterosis manifested in them, and sca effects. These hybrids could be used commercially due to high yield and low percentage disease index values for yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) disease.

Combining Ability and Heterosis for Yield and its Contributing Characters in Okra (Abelmoschus esculantus (L.) Moench)

Estimation of combining ability by line x tester analysis and magnitude of heterosis was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, BHU, Varanasi, in a set of 8 parents (five lines and three testers) received from IIVR Varanasi by making 15 cross combinations evaluated during summer and kharif 2009 in RBD with three replications. The data on nine characters viz. plant height, number of primary branches, days to first flowering, total number of fruit plant -1, fruit length, fruit girth, fresh fruit weight, internodal length and yield plant -1 were utilized for the present study. On the basis of GCA effects across nine characters, Arka Abhay, VRO-6, Hissar Unnat and Punjab Padmini were identified as most promising parents for improving number of fruits plant -1, fruit girth and days to 50% flowering. The most promising crosses showing significantly positive SCA effects and standard heterosis for fruit yield were Arka Abhay x Parbhani Kranti, Hissar Unnat x Punjab Padmini, VRO-6 x Parbhani Kranti and VRO-6 x Arka Anamika. These crosses should be exploited for further advancement in breeding programme for HYVs and early maturity, simultaneously.