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

Abstract

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop; however, improvement in fruit yield is constrained by its complex genetic architecture. The present investigation was undertaken to study character associations and to assess the direct and indirect effects of yield-contributing traits on fruit yield per plant in okra. Genotypic correlation analysis revealed that fruit yield per plant had significant positive associations with number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit diameter, number of nodes, number of branches, plant height, and fruit length. In contrast, significant negative correlations were observed with node at first flowering, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, and days to first harvest, indicating the importance of earliness in yield improvement. Path coefficient analysis identified average fruit weight as the trait exerting the highest positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant, followed by number of fruits per plant. Number of branches, number of nodes, and fruit diameter also contributed positively through direct and indirect effects, particularly via number of fruits per plant. Overall, the study demonstrated that average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of branches, and number of nodes are key yield-determining traits and may serve as reliable selection criteria for improving fruit yield in okra breeding programmes.