Comprehensive morpho-phenotypic characterisation and performance evaluation of okra genotypes

Although okra is an economically important vegetable crop, comprehensive studies on genetic variability, heritability and trait association under semi-arid conditions of North India are limited. Hence, the present field experiment was conducted to assess the genetic variability and performance of 30 okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) genotypes during the kharif season of 2021 at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with three replications. The morphological characters evaluated included fruit colour, dentation of margin, colour between veins and surface between ridges, among others. The study aimed to assess key genetic variability parameters, namely genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genetic advance and heritability for yield and yield-contributing characters in okra genotypes. Significant variability was observed among genotypes for all qualitative and quantitative traits under study. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for plant height and node of first fruiting, indicating substantial genetic variability. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for plant height, node of first fruiting, petiole length and fruit yield per plant, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action and the effectiveness of direct selection. Moderate heritability and genetic advance were recorded for the number of fruits per plant. Based on yield and yield-contributing traits, the genotypes HB-691-08, Hisar Unnat, Hisar Naveen, HBT-49-1 and HBTC-6-7-1 were identified as promising for use in future breeding programmes.