Genetic variability, character association and path coefficient analysis in okra

A study was conducted to investigate the genetic architecture of different lines for fruit yield and its associated traits in okra. Fourteen parents, consisting of twelve lines and two testers, were crossed using a Line × Tester mating design in the spring-summer season of 2019-20 at Vegetable Research Farm, CCSHAU, Hisar. The resulting twenty-four hybrids were cultivated in a randomized block design with three replications during the rainy season of 2020-21. Fruit yield/hectare showed a significant range from 87.86 to 150.18 quintals with an average of 117.73 quintals. The phenotypic coefficient of variation ranged from 3.91% (test weight) to 20.23% (Number of branches per plant), slightly surpassing the genotypic coefficient of variation which ranged from 1.98% (test weight) to 12.15% (fruit yield) with high estimate of PCV for the number of branches per plant (20.23%) and a moderate estimate of both PCV and GCV for fruit yield (14.67%, 12.15%), number of fruits per plant (14.34%, 12.06%), respectively. This suggests that the traits studied were more influenced by genetic factors than environmental factors. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percentage of mean for traits such as number of fruits/plant (70.74%, 20.89%) and fruit yield/hectare (68.65%, 20.74%) suggested that additive genes play a major role in determining these traits respectively. This indicates that it is possible to select high-yielding genotypes by selecting parents with desirable traits. Fruit yield/hectare displayed positive and significant associations with most of the traits like number of fruits per plant (0.95) and plant height (0.36) at phenotypic levels. The number of fruits per plant, 1000 seeds test weight, fruit diameter, and number of branches per plant had the most significant positive effect on fruit yield. Ultimately, such analysis has the potential to assist breeders in formulating their selection strategies aimed at enhancing fruit yield.