Genetic Variability and Association Studies in Single and Double Cross F2 Population of Okra

Two populations of the okra viz., single cross F2, and double cross F2 were developed using BH-1, BH-2, BH-3, BH-4, BH-5 and BH-6 lines. The objective was to determine the genetic variability, nature of association among different yield attributes and their direct and indirect contribution towards yield. It was observed that mean squares due to genotypes were significant for all the traits, indicating the presence of genetic variability in the experimental material. The values of PCV were higher than that of GCV values for all the twelve characters indicating influence of environmental effects in the expression of these characters and it was found more in DC F2 as compared to SC F2 population. The GCV, heritability and genetic advance were higher for plant height, fruit yield per plant, fruit weight and days to 50 per cent flowering which might be attributed to additive gene action of inheritance in DC F2 population. 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, fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight for yield improvement and could be considered while formulating selection indices in the improvement of okra. Path coefficient analysis revealed that fruit weight had maximum direct contribution (0.869) towards fruit yield followed by number of fruits per plant (0.323) and fruit length (0.079). This revealed that DC F2 population showed more variability compare to SC F2 because it involves diverse parents in its development com pare to SC F2 population.