Evaluation of heterosis for morphological traits in interspecific hybridization of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

The study, Evaluation of Heterosis for Morphological Traits in Interspecific Hybridization of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) was conducted at the Instructional-Cum-Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, VNMKV, Parbhani, during Kharif 2022-23 (F1) and Summer 2023-24 (F2). The research aimed to evaluate heterosis for Plant growth characters, including Petiole length and Stipule length using interspecific crosses between cultivated okra and wild relatives (Abelmoschus tetraphyllus, Abelmoschus moschatus, and Abelmoschus manihot). A Line × Tester mating design was adopted, comprising 10 lines and 3 testers in F1 generation and 7 lines and 2 testers in F2 generation. Experiments were laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two replications. The study evaluated heterosis for petiole length and stipule length in Abelmoschus crosses across F1 and F2 generations. Significant positive heterosis was observed, with Punjab 8 × A. tetraphyllus (45.91%) showing the highest petiole length in the F1 generation, and Parbhani Kranti × A. manihot (19.69%) in the F2 generation. For stipule length, Phule Vimukta × A. tetraphyllus (213.76%) displayed the highest heterosis in F1, while Parbhani Kranti × A. manihot (123.96%) in F2. These traits are pivotal for improving yield potential in crop breeding programs.