Study of yield and its attributing traits of 20 genotypes in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Introduction

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), commonly known as lady's finger or bhindi, is one of the most important vegetable crops cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is grown in India extensively throughout the year and holds a significant place among vegetable crops due to its acceptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions, short duration and high market demand. The tender fruits are consumed as a vegetable and are valued for their high nutrition amount, rich source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and dietary fibre. Besides its use as a fresh vegetable, different parts of the plant have industrial and medicinal significance due to the presence of mucilage, antioxidants and other bioactive compounds. The development of improved varieties is required to meet the increasing demand for higher productivity and good quality produce. Genetic variability present in the breeding material is a key factor governing the effectiveness of any breeding programme. Genetic variability serves as the basic raw material for selection and provides opportunities for identifying superior genotypes with desirable agronomic traits. A wider range of variation increases the probability of obtaining genotypes that can perform better under diverse environmental conditions and production systems. Assessment of germplasm for genetic variability is thus a crucial component of any breeding programme. The valuation of genetic variability helps in understanding the nature and magnitude of variation present among genotypes and facilitates the selection of suitable parents for hybridization. Parameters such as genotypic coefficient of variation, phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance provide valuable information regarding the inheritance of different characters and the effectiveness of selection. Traits exhibiting high heritability along with high genetic advance are generally considered to be governed by additive gene effects and can be improved effectively through selection. Fruit yield in okra is a complex trait influenced by several component characters and environmental factors. Hence, selection based only on yield may not consistently produce desirable results.

A detailed knowledge of variability among traits is necessary for effective breeding. A comprehensive understanding of the variability present in yield and its associated traits is essential for identifying promising genotypes and developing suitable breeding strategies. The Assessment and characterization of available genetic resources can also contribute to the conservation and efficient utilization of valuable germplasm in future improvement programmes. Considering these aspects, the present investigation was conducted to examine the genetic variability among okra genotypes and to estimate important genetic parameters related to growth, yield, and yield-contributing traits. The information generated from this study will be useful for the identification of superior genotypes and for designing effective breeding programmes aimed at the genetic improvement of okra.

Materials and Methods

The present investigation on genetic variability in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) was conducted during the Kharif season of 2024 at the Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Janta Vedic College, Baraut, Uttar Pradesh. The experimental material comprised twenty diverse okra genotypes collected from different agricultural universities and research institutes of India (Table 1). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Seeds were sown on 26 July 2024 at a spacing of 60 × 30 cm. Each genotype was grown in plots of 2 m × 1 m accommodating 16 plants per plot. All recommended agronomic and plant protection practices were followed uniformly throughout the crop growth period to ensure a healthy crop stand. Five competitive plants were randomly selected from each genotype in each replication for recording observations. Data were recorded on nineteen quantitative traits, viz., days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of internodes, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit width, number of seeds per fruit, internodal length, leaf length, number of leaves per plant, leaf width, mature bud length, pedicel length, days to first fruit set, hundred seed weight and fruit yield per plant. The experimental data were compiled by taking the mean values of the twenty okra genotypes for yield and its contributing traits from all the three replications. The data were subjected to statistical analysis following the method of Randomized Block Design (RBD). Analysis of variance was carried out according to the procedure described by Panse and Sukhatme (1967). Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability (broad sense) and genetic advance as percent of mean were estimated using standard biometrical methods to assess the extent of genetic variability among the genotypes.

Statistical analysis

The experimental data was compiled by taking the mean value of the twenty genotypes of okra for yield and its attributing traits from all the three replications. It was subjected to the statistical analysis as per the method of Randomized Block Design (RBD).

Result and Discussion

Number of Seeds per Fruit (NSPF):

The number of seeds per fruit is an important reproductive parameter that reflects the fertilization efficiency and seed-bearing capacity of the genotype. A higher number of seeds per fruit is desirable for seed production programmes as it directly affects total seed yield. The number of seeds per fruit ranged from 40.82 to 80.83, with a mean of 61.29. The maximum seeds were recorded in Kashi Lalima (80.83), while Barahat Komal had the fewest seeds per fruit (40.82).

Leaf Length (LL):

Leaf length is an essential vegetative character associated with photosynthetic surface area and overall plant growth. Larger leaves can enhance light interception and photosynthetic efficiency, thereby supporting better biomass production and yield. Leaf length varied from 11.75 cm in Varsha Uphar to 16.27 cm in Kashi Lalima, with a mean of 15.06 cm across genotypes.

Number of Leaves (NL):

The number of leaves per plant determines the photosynthetic potential and vigour of the plant. A higher leaf number may improve the assimilation of photosynthates, which supports enhanced flowering, fruit development, and yield. The number of leaves per plant showed wide variation, with an average of 19.52 leaves. The maximum was observed in Kashi Lalima (25.45) and the minimum in Barahat Komal (15.13).

Leaf Width (LW):

Leaf width contributes to the total leaf area available for photosynthesis and influences the plant's capacity to capture solar radiation. Broader leaves generally promote greater photosynthetic activity, which can positively affect growth and productivity. Leaf width varied from 14.43 cm in Kashi Lila to 28.00 cm in Kashi Lalima, with a mean of 19.02 cm, indicating substantial variation among genotypes.

Mature Bud Length (MBL):

Mature bud length is an important floral trait associated with the growth and development of reproductive structures in okra. Welldeveloped buds may contribute to efficient flowering and successful fruit formation. The length of mature buds ranged from 2.06 cm in Barahat Komal to 3.77 cm in Kashi Lalima, while the mean value stood at 2.94 cm.

Pedicel Length (PL): Pedicel length influences fruit attachment and positioning on the plant, which can affect ease of harvesting and fruit appearance. Appropriate pedicel length also facilitates proper exposure of fruits, reducing mechanical damage during harvesting. Pedicel length across the varieties ranged from 2.00 cm (Pusa Bhindi-5) to 3.70 cm (Kashi Lalima), with an average of 2.74 cm. Among all, Hissar Unnat exhibited the lowest yield, making it the least productive genotype under the present study conditions. This wide range in yield performance provides an important scope for selection of superior genotypes for crop improvement programs aiming at higher productivity.

Days to First

Conclusion

The results of the present study revealed that the evaluated genotypes possessed significant genetic variability for growth, yield and associated traits, providing huge opportunities for effective selection and crop improvement. The genotypes possessing superior performance for important traits may be effectively utilized as potential parents in future breeding and hybridization programmes. Furthermore, traits exhibiting a strong positive association and high direct effect on fruit yield can be considered as important selection criteria for enhancing yield potential. The distribution of genotypes into distinct clusters suggests the existence of substantial genetic divergence, and the utilization of genetically diverse parents from different clusters may facilitate the development of desirable recombinants and superior hybrids.

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