Estimation of heterosis in okra for fruit yield and its components through diallel mating system

Abstract

Forty five F1 hybrids developed from ten okra parents, i.e., P-7, BO-2, KS-305, Arka Anamika KS-439, KS-419, KS- 446 and Azad Bhindi-2 in a diallel fashion were evaluated along with a commercial variety (Pusa Sawani). Analysis of variance with respect to eight characters in parents and hybrids were highly significant. This indicated the existence of high variation in parents and hybrids for different characters studied. Out of 45 cross combinations, 14 crosses revealed the significant and positive heterosis over better parent. While 18 crosses showed positive and significant heterosis over economic parent. It is pertinent to mention that the crop has potential to produce the heterotic cross combinations and such crosses can be use for further improvement of this crop. Four crosses, namely, KS-450 × KS-419, KS-442 × Azad Bhindi-2, Arka Anamika × Azad Bhindi-2 and Arka Anamika × KS-442 were found potential for fruit yield and other desired characters. The high heterosis and per se performance was found in hybrid Arka Anamika × Azad Bhindi-2 over both better parents and standard check for fruit yield per plant. This indicates that the cross can be exploited commercially.