Gene Effects and Heterosis to Enhance Yield-related Traits in Okra

Background: Genetic analysis of key agronomic traits in okra is essential for enhancing yield and quality. This study evaluated heterosis, inbreeding depression, combining ability, and gene action in 16 morpho-agronomical traits. Methods: Mid- and better-parent heterosis, inbreeding depression, and combining ability (general and specific) were assessed. Additive-to-dominance ratios, scaling tests, and epistasis analysis were used to determine gene effects and interactions. Results: Significant heterosis was recorded for yield-related traits, especially for stem height (MPH: 78.30%, BPH: 42.16%) and pod weight (MPH: 51.26%, BPH: 36.05%), indicating strong hybrid vigor. High inbreeding depression in pod weight (32.82%), pod length (29.16%), and seed number (22.67%) suggested non-additive gene effects. Combining ability analysis showed additive gene action for internodal length (σ²GCA/σ²SCA = 1.42), whereas dominance effects played a major role in determining pod weight (0.09) and pod length (0.23). The duplicate epistasis in most traits revealed the complexity of genetic inheritance in okra. Conclusion: The findings clarify the genetic control of important okra traits, showing that both additive and non-additive gene effects influence yield and quality. Significant heteros is and combining ability results identify promising parents and hybrids for improving okra through selective breeding.