Heterosis for Yield and its Components in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

The present investigation was carried out to study heterosis for various horticultural traits of okra in late Kharif- 2013 and summer, 2014 by involving five diverse parents in a diallel mating including reciprocals. The analysis of variance reflected considerable variability for yield and other component traits. VRO-6 was excellent over other parents in per se performance for majority of traits under investigation except average fruit weight, fruit stalk length and ascorbic acid. The cross-combination VRO-6 x GJO-3 was the only F₁ exhibiting significant heterobeltiosis as well as standard heterosis for yield per plant. Whereas hybrids AA x AOL-12-52, AA x GJO-3 and VRO-6 x AA also displayed significant heterosis over better parent for this character. The cross-combination VRO-6 x GJO-3 also recorded significant and desirable heterotic gain over standard check for other traits like first flowering node, days to first flowering, number of branches per plant and average fruit weight.