Gene Action Studies on Yield and Its Attributes in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.Moench)

Genetic studies assist the breeder in understanding the inheritance mechanism and enhance the efficiency of a breeding programme. In order to determine the mode of gene action involved in some economic traits of okra, two different crosses as started genetic materials were used for this purpose applying generation mean analysis. Significant differences for all studied traits for six populations P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 within each cross were found indicating the existence of genetic variation and possibility of selection for these traits. The crosses viz., MDU-1 X TCR 1173 and VRO 4 X TCR 2056 had complimentary type of epistasis along with significant additive gene effects and additive x additive interaction gene effects for most of the traits. Considering fruit yield per plant and its attributes, the two crosses were judged as the best cross for further selection programme. The presence of duplicate epistasis in the inheritance of traits including days to 50 % flowering and fruit girth in both the crosses might be improved through recurrent selection in biparental progenies and may possible be overcome by delaying the selection to later generations otherwise, one or two cycle of intermating of segregating population may be usefull to improve the characters.