Genetic Variability Studies in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the okra collections for all the traits. The estimates on variability parameters indicated considerable range of variation in the germplasm for all the characters studied. Environmental influence was meagre on expression of characters as evident by narrow gap between genotypic and phenotypic co-efficient of variation. The genotypic and phenotypic co-efficients of variations were high for all the characters except days to 50 per cent of flowering and ridges per fruit. A high range of variation, genotypic co-efficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance on per cent mean for plant height, branches per plant, nodes per plants and fruit yield per plant was recorded. This indicated broad genetic base, less environmental influence and these traits are under control of additive genes, simple and early selection schemes would be effective for improvement of these traits. Despite high heritability, the mean of genetic advance was low for days to 50 per cent flowering indicating low variability for this trait.