Assessing Genetic Variations for Pod Yield and Its Component Traits in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench.)

Abstract

Background: Bhindi (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is an important commercial vegetable crop cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and warmer temperate regions. It is a highly nutritious crop used as vegetable in the human diet. However, despite its economic significance and wide adaptability, okra productivity in India remains relatively low due to the various limitations. Genetic variability is the foundation of any successful breeding program, as it determines the potential to select and improve desirable traits. Aim: The present study aims to assess the genetic variations for key quantitative traits over the environments. Methodology: The present investigation comprised of 49 okra genotypes. The experiments were conducted in RBD under two different environmental conditions during kharif 2024. Nine quantitative traits were recorded to assess the genetic variations. Results: The present experiment demonstrated the significant variability for the traits under study. The trait relationship study revealed that the traits like pod yield per plant and number of primary branches were positively correlated with number of pods per plant. Likewise, leaf length was positively correlated with leaf width and stem diameter. Petiole length was positively correlated with leaf width. The PCA analysis demonstrated that PC1 showed strong positive loadings for traits such as stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, and plant height. In PC2, stem diameter and plant height were positively associated. Conclusions: The sufficient variability was found in okra genotypes for all the traits under study. The grouping pattern of these genotypes demonstrated it potential to include in breeding programmes for crop improvement.