INTRODUCTION

Vegetables occupy an important place in crop diversification

and play a key role in food nutrition and economic security of our
country. India ranks second in the vegetable production. In India
vegetables are grown largely on commercial scale in an area of 7.2
Mha with production of 113.5Mt.

Okra [ Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Monech] commonly known

as Bhindi is one of the most important vegetable crop grown for its
tender and delicious green fruits during both summer and rainy
season. Okra is said to be native of tropical Africa (Joshi et al. 1974).
Okra belongs to the family Malvaceae. The genus Abelmoschus
comprises nine species.

It is a hardy crop. It can be grown with considerable success on

a wide range of soil under variable environmental conditions. It has
high nutritive value and good export potential. Apart from its use as
vegetable it also has medicinal properties. Leaves are used for
preparing a medicament to reduce inflammation. It is an excellent
source of iodine for control of goiter. It is good for people who are
suffering from weakness of heart. The stem and roots of okra are used
for clearing the cane juice in Gur preparation.

Okra cultivars are erect annuals becoming woody at maturity.

The plant often reaches 60 to 180 cm in height. The flower open
shortly after sunrise and remain open until about noon. Petals wilt in
the afternoon and usually fall the following day.

Okra is predominantly a self pollinated crop but natural out

crossing to the extent of 8.75% has been reported by Purewal and
Randhawa 1947. It is an interesting crop to the breeder and genetictist
for its monadelphous conditions. Okra being an often cross pollinated
crop posses greater variability. Crop improvement depends upon the
magnitude of genetic variability existing in the population and the

1
extent to which the desired characters are heritable. Presence of
genetic variability in a population is of primary importance for any
successful breeding programme.

Heritability is a suitable measure for assessing the magnitude of

genetic portion of total variability and aid to make improvement in crop
by selection for various characters. Heritability is an index of
transmissibility of a character from parents to their off springs. But
heritability alone does not give true picture of genetic improvement
through selection, therefore, study of Genetic advance coupled with
heritability are more useful in predicting the resultant effect of
selection. Genetic advance gives an idea about additive nature of
gene action.

The most important among attributes of a plant is its yielding

ability, for rational approach to the improvement of yield it is essential
to have detail information on the association among different yield
component. Correlation arises due to linkage, plietropism and
developmental genetic interaction. Correlation of quantitative
attributes would help in choosing component characters that are
positively correlated.

In view of the above facts, the present studies entitled “Genetic

variability and Correlation studies in Okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus
(L.) Moench”) has been carried out with following objectives.

1. To estimate various parameters of genetic variability.

2. To find out interrelationship in yield and its component at

phenotypic and genotypic level.

3. To estimate heritable effects for different quantitative traits.

4. To identify most suitable and performing genotypes in Jabalpur

conditions.

2
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

An attempt has been made to study the “Genetic

variability and correlation study in okra [ Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)
Moench]”.The relevant and available literature on different aspects
studied during the course of this investigation are reviewed here
briefly as :-

2.1 Genotypic coefficient of variation (G.C.V.) and Phenotypic

coefficient of variation (P.C.V.)

2.2 Heritability and Genetic advance

2.3 Correlation studies

2.1 Genotypic coefficient of variation (G.C.V.) and Phenotypic

coefficient of variation (P.C.V.)

Genotypic coefficient of variation gives information on the extent

of genetic variability present for a particular character. Fisher (1918)
proposed the idea of partitioning of genetic variance.

Singh et al. (1974) observed high genotypic coefficient of

variation for plant height, number of effective nodes, number of
branches per plant, fruit yield per plant in okra. High phenotypic
coefficient of variation observed for girth of fruit, number of effective
nodes and low phenotypic coefficient of variation observed for days to
50% flowering and first fruiting in okra.

Thaker et al. (1981) reported high Genotypic coefficient of

variation for plant height, days to 50% flowering, fruit length, fruit
weight, number of effective nodes and fruit yield per plant in okra.

Vijay and Manohar (1990) estimated high Genotypic coefficient

of variation for days to 50% flowering, number of effective nodes,
number of branches per plant, fruit yield per plant and low Genotypic
coefficient of variation observed for first fruiting nodes in okra. High
phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for internodal length.

3
 Patel and Dalal (1992) observed high genotypic coefficient of
variation for plant height and number of branches per plant in okra.

Deo et al. (1996) recorded high genotypic coefficient of variation

for plant height, number of effective nodes, number of branches per
plant, fruit yield per plant and high phenotypic coefficient of variation
recorded for plant height and number of branches per plant in okra.

Bindu et al. (1997) observed high genotypic coefficient of

variation for plant height, fruit weight, number of effective nodes,
number of branches per plant, fruit yield per plant and high phenotypic
coefficient of variation observed for plant height ,number of effective
nodes and number of branches per plant in okra.

Panda and Singh (1997) and Dhankar and Dhankar (2002)

found high genotypic coefficient of variation and high phenotypic
coefficient of variation for number of branches per plant, fruit yield per
plant,number of fruits per plant and plant height.

Dhall et al. (2003) observed high genotypic coefficient of

variation and high phenotypic coefficient of variation for plant height,
total yield per plant, marketable yield per plant, number of fruits per
plant and virus incidence.

Bendale et al. (2003) examined thirty okra genotypes for first

flowering node, pod length, pod weight, plant height, nodes per plant,
internodal length, number of branches per plant, seeds per pod,100
seed weight, number of pods per plant and yield per plant. The
phenotypic coefficient of variation for all the characters was higher
than genotypic coefficient of variation. Number of branches per plant,
yield per plant and number of pods per plant showed high genotypic
coefficient of variation and high phenotypic coefficient of variation.

Bali et al. (2004) evaluated 31 diverse genotypes of okra for

yield and combining characters and noticed high phenotypic
coefficient of variation as well as high genotypic coefficient of variation
for seed yield per plant, number of branches per plant, internodal
length and fruit yield per plant.

4
 Singh and Singh (2006) observed high genotypic coefficient of
variation and high phenotypic coefficient of variation for number of
branches per plant, fruit yield per plant, tapering length, plant height
and fruit length.

Singh et al. (2006) estimated high genotypic coefficient of

variation and high phenotypic coefficient of variation for internodal
length, number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant,
number of seeds per pod and fruit yield per plant.

Jaiprakashnarayan et al. (2006) observed high genotypic

coefficient of variation and high phenotypic coefficient of variation for
plant height at 100 days after sowing, number of branches per plant
and internodal length. Moderate genotypic coefficient of variation and
phenotypic coefficient of variation for number of nodes on main stem,
number of nodes at first flowering and number of leaves at 100 days
after sowing. Low, genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic
coefficient of variation exhibited by days to first flowering and days to
50% flowering.

Singh et al. (2007) observed high magnitude of genotypic

coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation for
number of branches per plant, plant height, number of fruits per plant
and fruit yield. Phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than
corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation.

2.2 Heritability and genetic advance

The relative amount of heritable portion of total variation was

found out with the help of heritability estimates with the help of
heritability estimates and genetic advance. Lush (1940) defined the
broad sense heritability as the ratio of genetic variance to the total
variance. Robinson et al. (1949) defined the narrow sense heritability
as the ratio of additive genetic variance to phenotypic variance.

Larner (1954) and Johnson et al. (1955) emphasized that

heritability estimates when studied in conjunction with genetic

5
advance would provide more appropriate information than the study of
heritability alone.

Pratap et al. (1979) studied the yield and its components in okra
and found high narrow sense heritability for all characters except yield
per plant, number of fruits per plant and plant height in okra.

Thaker et al. (1981) reported moderate heritability and high

genetic advance for plant height and number of effective nodes. High
genetic advance was observed for days taken to first flowering, fruit
weight and yield per plant and low genetic advance recorded for fruit
length in okra.

Vijay and Manohar (1990) observed high heritability for plant

height, fruit weight, number of branches per plant and low genetic
advance was observed for fruit length and fruit girth.

Jeypandi and Balakrishnan (1992) noticed that heritability

coupled with genetic advance were highest for yield per plant and
plant height.

Patel and Dalal (1992) reported high heritability estimates for

yield and its components in seven genotypes and their F 1 hybrids. Pod
attributes were found to have moderate heritability estimates.

Sood et al. (1995) observed high heritability and genetic

advance on twelve characters. The node at which the first fruit set,
plant height and nodes per plant had high heritability values coupled
with high to moderate genetic advance.

Bindu et al. (1997) reported high heritability for plant height, fruit
length, fruit weight, number of effective nodes, while moderate
heritability number of branches per plant.

Panda and Singh (1997) reported high heritability estimates

coupled with high genetic advance for plant height, number of pods
and total pod yield per plant and suggested to improve these traits
through selection.

6
 Paiva et al. (1998) conducted an experiment in 11 okra cultivars
and estimated high heritability for fruit length, diameter, fruit weight,
plant height and number of branches per plant.

Dhall et al. (2001) recorded that characters like fruit length,

plant height, number of fruits per plant and virus incidence exhibited
high heritability along with high genetic advance indicating the
dominant gene action.

Dhankar and Dhankar (2002) reported that fruit yield, number of

fruits per plant and plant height showed moderate to high heritability in
both the years. The genetic advance was found medium to low for all
the traits which indicates that there is limited scope for improvement
through selection procedures.

Bali et al. (2004) reported high heritability along with high

genetic advance for seed yield per plant, number of seeds per pod,
number of fruits per plant, internodal length and total fruit yield per
plant indicating the influence of additive gene effect.

Patro and Ravisankar (2004) observed high heritability for

number of branches per plant, yield per plant and high genetic
advance for fruit yield per plant and plant height.

Indurani and Veerargavathatham (2005) noticed high heritability

coupled with high genetic advance for characters such as plant height
at first flower bud appearance, number of fruits per plant and yield per
plant.

Singh et al. (2006) observed high heritability coupled with high

genetic advance for number of seeds per pod, internodal length,
number of branches per plant, fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per
plant, plant height and 100 seed weight.

Jaiprakashnarayan et al. (2006) observed high heritability

coupled with high genetic advance for plant height 100 days after
sowing, internodal length, number of nodes on main stem, number of
nodes at first flowering and number of leaves at 45 days after sowing.

7
High heritability with low genetic advance observed for days to first
flower and days to 50% flowering in okra.

Singh and Singh (2006) noted high heritability days to first

flowering, first fruiting node length and high heritability with high
genetic advance was observed for first fruiting node length, number of
branches per plant, tapering length and fruit yield per plant.

Sunil et al. (2007) observed high heritability coupled with

moderate genetic advance for days to flowering, number of node per
plant, internodal length, fruit number per plant and yield per plant.
High heritability coupled with low genetic advance was observed for
plant height. Low heritability coupled with high genetic advance for
fruit width, tapering length of fruit and low heritability with low genetic
advance for fruit length in okra.

Singh et al. (2007) estimated high values of heritability for plant

height, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield, fruit length, fruit girth and
number of branches per plant. High heritability coupled with moderate
genetic advance for all the characters except for nodes at which first
flower appear, indicating that additive gene affects were more
important for these characters.

2.3 Correlation studies

Yield is the complex character hence it is necessary to know the

importance and association of various yield contributing components
with yield and within themselves. This is possible by determining the
correlation coefficients (r) between the combining traits and yield.

Singh et al. (1975) reported moderate to high positive

correlation between days to flowering and maturity, plant height with
internodal length and pod length with pod width.

Ajimal et al. (1979) observed positive correlation of yield with

number of fruits per plant, number of nodes and internodal length.
Number of days to first flowering showed direct contribution to yield
followed by number of nodes and number of fruits per plant.

8
 Mishra and Singh (1985) observed that plant height, pod weight,
number of nodes on main stem had significant and positive correlation
with yield per plant where as days to 50 % flowering showed negative
association with yield per plant.

Shukla (1990) reported in his studies with 19 okra cultivars that

fruit yield had a significant positive correlation with number of fruits per
plant, number of nodes per plant and fruit length.

Sood et al. (1995) reported correlation among all combinations

of 12 characters and observed nodes per plant, duration of edible
pods, plant height and pod length had strong positive correlation with
yield.

Yadav (1996) found significant and positive correlation between

yield per plant and number of fruits per plant. He also observed that
days to fruiting showed significant and positive correlation with length
of fruit and width of fruit. Likewise height of plant showed significant
and positive correlation with length of fruit.

Rajani and Manju (1997) reported that nodes per plant, duration
of availability of edible pods, plant height and pod length had strong
positive correlation with yield.

Paiva et al. (1998) reported in an experiment with 11 okra

cultivars revealed that number of fruiting nodes on main stem, plant
height, number of fruits, earliness and yield were highly correlated.
The investigation indicated that possibilities of developing early, short
and high yielding cultivars by exploiting aforesaid associationship.

Hazare and Basu (2000) observed that fruits yield per plant was
significantly and positively associated with plant height, where as days
to days to first flowering showed negative association with number of
fruits per plant.

Dhall et al. (2000) reported that marketable yield per plant, fruit
weight, fruit length, number of fruits per plant and plant height were
significantly and positively associated with total yield per plant in okra.

9
 Gandhi et al. (2002) reported that the dry fruit yield was highly
and significantly dependent on number of nodes per plant, internodal
length, number of fruits per plant and seed yield per plant. The
interdependency of other characters on each others was also
recorded.

Dhankar and Dhankar (2002) observed that fruit yield was

significantly and positively correlated with the number of fruits and
branches per plant and plant height but was negatively correlated with
days to 50% flowering. The number of fruits per plant was positively
associated with number of branches per plant and plant height was
negatively correlated with days to 50% flowering. Fruit yield can be
improved through selection for higher number of fruits and branches
and medium height.

Singh and Singh (2002) observed that plant height, fruit length
and number of fruits were positively associated with fruit weight per
plant in F 2 generation.

Kamal et al. (2003) estimated that yield per plant was positively
and highly significantly correlated with number of nodes per plant,
width of fruit and number of fruits per plant.

Bendale et al. (2003) examined 30 okra genotypes and found

that pod length, pod weight, plant height, nodes per plant and number
of pods per plant were positively correlated with the yield.

Niranjan and Mishra (2003) observed that fruit yield was

positively and significantly correlated with edibility period of fruits,
number of fruits per plant, fruit length, number of seeds per fruit, fruit
weight, plant height and number of branches per plant at both
genotypic and phenotypic levels. Associations were significant at the
genotypic levels only between edibility period of fruit and number of
branches per plant. All characters had positive and significant
association among each other at both levels.

Jaiprakashnarayan and Mulge (2004) noticed that total yield per

plant was positively and significantly correlated with number of fruits

10
per plant, average fruit weight, number of nodes on main stem, fruit
length, plant height at 60 and 100 days after sowing and number of
leaves at 45 and 100 days, but negatively and significantly correlated
with number of locules per fruit, number of nodes at first flowering and
first fruiting.

Singh et al. (2006) reported that fruit yield per plant was
positively and significantly correlated with fruit length, fruit diameter,
fruit weight and number of fruits per plant.

Patro and Sankar (2006) observed that yield per plant showed a
highly significant and positive correlation with germination percentage,
number of branches per plant, number of ridges per fruit, fruit weight,
number of seeds per fruit and 100 seed weight.

Mohapatra et al. (2007) evaluated 23 genotype of okra for

different yield traits as well as yellow vein mosaic virus and estimated
that total fresh yield per plant had a positive and significant phenotypic
and genotypic correlation with number of fruits per plant, fruit girth,
fruit diameter, internodal distance and fruit weight.

Singh et al. (2007) observed that fruit yield had significant

positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation with number of fruit, fruit
length and plant height. Number of fruit showed significant positive
genotypic and phenotypic associations with plant height and fruit
length.

11
 MATERIAL AND METHODS

The experiment entitled “Genetic variability and Correlation

studies in okra [ Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] was conducted
at Horticulture Complex, Maharajpur, Department of Horticulture,
JNKVV, Jabalpur during kharif 2008-09.

The materials used and methods followed in the present

investigation are given in this chapter.

3.1 Experimental sites

The experiment was conducted at Horticulture Complex,

Maharajpur, Department of Horticulture, JNKVV, Jabalpur.

3.1.1 Soil

The soil of the experimental field was clay loam with good
drainage and uniform texture with medium NPK (Table 1).

Table 1. Physico-chemical properties of the soil of experimental

site

S.No. Constitute Value Interpretation

1. Physical
(i) Sand 10.45 --
(ii) Silt 36.21 --
(iii) Clay 53.41 --
2. Chemical
(i) Organic carbon (%) 0.55 Low
(ii) Available nitrogen 220.00 Low
(kg/ha)
(iii) Available 9.60 Low
phosphorus (kg/ha)
(iv) Available potassium 820.00 High
(kg/ha)
(v) Soil pH 7.30 Slightly Alkaline
(vi) Electrical 0.50 normal
conductivity (dsm -1.)

12
3.1.2 Climate and weather conditions

Jabalpur is situated in ‘Kymore plateau’ agroclimatic region of

Madhya Pradesh at 23.91˚ North latitude,79.5˚ East longitude and on
an altitude of 411.78 meters above the mean sea level. The tropic of
cancer passes through the middle of the district. The climate of region
is typically semi arid and sub tropical having extreme winter and
summer. The average annual rainfall is 1350 mm which is mostly
received during June to October from South-West monsoon. The
average maximum temperature is 46˚ C and minimum temperature is
6.8˚ C. The average annual relative humidity is 74% (Table 2).

Table 2. Meteorological information (week wise) during the crop

season
Relative No.
Temperatur Wind
Meteo. humidity Rainfall of Sunshin
Month e ( 0C) speed
Week (%) (mm) rainy e (hr.)
(cm/hr)
Max. Min. Max. Min. days
June 23 42.5 28.4 32 13 - - 7.5 4.9
24 43.3 30.2 33 15 - - 6.2 5.0
25 40.1 27.5 60 34 51.4 2 3.9 6.2
26 30.6 24.4 88 76 94.1 4 1.5 6.7
July 27 26.9 23.3 95 83 474.0 6 3.3 12.0
28 30.6 24.5 91 78 151.8 3 4.1 4.5
29 30.5 24.5 86 74 90.8 4 3.5 4.5
30 31.4 24.6 89 74 88.6 5 4.0 4.6
31 29.4 24.6 94 83 120.2 6 3.2 5.1
August 32 29.3 24.0 91 70 19.4 2 6.0 7.3
33 29.1 24.3 91 80 116.4 4 5.7 5.4
34 27.7 23.5 91 77 10.8 4 6.1 5.8
35 33.0 24.6 84 55 1.0 1 8.9 3.7
Sept. 36 31.9 24.2 91 81 91.8 6 5.6 1.5
37 29.8 23.8 93 79 251.2 7 6.0 6.0
38 30.0 24.1 89 69 18.2 3 4.3 6.1
39 30.6 23.0 87 60 17.8 2 6.1 4.1
Oct. 40 32.2 20.6 85 43 0.0 0 8.7 2.1
41 32.1 19.3 89 45 0.0 0 8.8 2.2
42 29.0 21.1 92 66 5.2 1 4.8 2.8
43 28.7 16.7 93 43 0.0 0 8.2 2.4
44 28.1 12.2 92 20 0.0 0 7.2 1.1

13
 Fig. 1. Meteorological information (week wise) during the crop season

Rainfall No. of rainy days Sunshine Wind speed Temp. Max Temp. Min. RH. Max.

500

450
Rainfall (mm), No. of rainy days, Sunshine (hr) and Wind

400

350

300
speed (hr.)

250

200

150

100

50

0
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44
14
Standard meteorological weeks
3.2 Experimental Material

The experimental material for this study includes genotypes of

okra collected from different research institutes. Genotypes are as
follows:

1. EC-169536
2. EC-169456-A
3. IC- 433615
4. IC-117301
5. IC-140927
6. IC-155360
7. IC-282292
8. IC-282288
9. IC-305623
10. EC-89899
11. IC-90172
12. IC-90173
13. IC-411698
14. IC-421931
15. JAE-1
16. JAE-2 (Sonal)
17. JAE-3
18. JAE-4 (OH-152)
19. JAE-5
20. JAE-6 (Shravan)
21. JAE-7 (Tulsi)
22. JAE-8 (Kanchan)
23. JAE-9 (US-7003)
24. VRO-6
25. Arka Anamika
26. Parbhani Kranti

15
Fig. 2. Plan of the layout experimental plot (Completely Randomized
Block Design)

14.30 m
1.8 m 0.5 m 1.0 m

14 1 26 13
3.6 m

13 14

12 15 2 25 12 15

11 16 3 24 11 16

10 17 4 23 10 17

9 18 5 22 9 18

8 19 6 21 8 19
Replication Border

Replication Border

52.8 m
7 20 7 20 7 20

6 21 8 19 6 21

5 22 9 18 5 22

4 23 10 17 4 23

3 24 11 16 3 24

2 25 12 15 2 25

1 26 13 14 1 26

RI RII RIII

16
3.3 Experimental details

3.3.1 Design of experiment

The experiment was laid out in complete randomized block

design (CRBD) with 26 treatments and three replications. The
experimental details are as follows.

Design : CRBD

Replication : Three (3)

Treatment : Twenty six (26)

Total number of plots : Seventy eight (78)

Plot size : 1.8 x 3.6 m

Row to row distance : 60 cm

Plant to plant distance : 45 cm

Number of rows in each plot : 3

Number of plants per row : 8

Total number of plants per plot : 24

Gross area of experimental field : 14.3 x 52.8 m

Number of plants for observations per plot : 5

Plot to plot distance : 0.5 m

Distance between replication : 1m

Crop : okra

Season : Kharif
th
Date of sowing : 29 June 08

Fertilizer dose (NPK) : 120:60:60 kg/hac

17
3.3 Field preparation and sowing

In order to get good tilth of the soil for sowing one cross
cultivation was done by tractor drawn cultivator followed by two
harrowing and one planking before sowing of seed.

In the beginning of experiment, 2-3 seeds were dibbled. After

two weeks of sowing, thinning was carried out to maintain single plant
per hill. All the recommended package of practices was followed to
raise healthy crop.

3.3.3 Observations

Five representative plants in each plot were selected randomly

and tagged for recording data for various plant characters.

3.3.3.1 Plant height (cm)

Height of the plant was recorded from base just above the soil
surface to growing point of the plant. The height was recorded at 30,
60 and 90 days after sowing.

3.3.3.2 Number of nodes to first flower

Number of nodes to first flower was counted at the time of first

flowering.

3.3.3.3 Days taken to first flowering

Number of days required from date of sowing to first flowering

was recorded.

3.3.3.4 Days to 50 percent flowering

Number of days required from the date of sowing to fifty percent

flowering in each genotype was recorded separately.

3.3.3.5 Weight of fruit (g)

The weight of five fruits were recorded separately with the

help of balance and average was worked out for each genotypes.

18
3.3.3.6 Length of fruit (cm)

The length of fruit was measured from randomly selected five

fruits from every genotype with the help of scale and then average
was recorded from each genotype.

3.3.3.7 Girth of fruit (cm)

The girth of the randomly selected fruits was recorded at

different positions such as base, middle and at top with the help of
thread and scale and average was worked out.

3.3.3.8 Number of fruits per plant

The numbers of fruits harvested from five randomly selected

plants in each genotype were collected during each picking counted
and totaled together and average number of fruits per plant was
calculated.

3.3.3.9 Number of seeds per fruit

Numbers of seeds in five randomly selected fruits harvested

from observational plants were counted and average number of seeds
per fruit was recorded.

3.3.3.10 Test weight (g)

The weight of 100 seeds was recorded from randomly

selected fruits obtained from each treatment.

3.3.3.11 Internodal length (cm)

The internodal length of five randomly selected plants was

recorded from places such as length at the base, middle and top with
the help of scale and average was worked out for each treatments.

3.3.3.12 Number of branches per plant

Number of branches per plant was recorded at the time of last

picking.

19
3.3.3.13 Yield per plant (g)

Picking of fresh marketable okra fruits has been done from

the observational plants separately throughout the harvesting period
at the interval of 3 days. It was totaled and the average yield per plant
in each treatment was worked out.

3.3.3.14 Yield per plot (kg)

The fruit yield was recorded on plot basis and yield data was
pooled for all the picking.

3.3.3.15 Yield per hectare (Q)

The yield per hectare was obtained from the yield per plot by
multiplying with the factor 15.43.

3.3.3.16 Fruiting span

Fruiting span means the duration between the first and the last
picking was recorded to know the fruiting span of each genotype.

3.4 Statistical Methodology

The data obtained in respect of all the characters has been

subjected to the following statistical analyses.

Mean: It was calculated by using following formula.

∑X
Mean (X)=
N
Where;

∑X = The sum of all the observation

N = Number of observation.

20
Analysis of variance

The data for different characters were statistically analyzed on the

basis of modal described by panes and Sukhatme (1978) for complete
randomized block design. (CRBD)

Table 3. Arrangement of data from CRBD

Replication
Treatment Total
1 Y11 Y12 Y13 -
1 Y11 Y12 Y13 - Y1r T1
2 Y21 Y22 Y23 - Y2r T2
3 Y31 Y32 Y33 - Y3r T3
- - - - - - -
t Yt1 Yt2 Yt3 - Ytr Tt
R1 R2 R3 - Rt G.T.

Model y ij = µ + t i + r i + e ij
th th
Yij = Phenotypic performance of i treatment in j block
µ = General mean
ti = i th treatment effect
rj = j th replication effect
eij = Random error
for work out the standard error for comparison of the means on
ANOVA table is prepared for completely randomized block design.

Table 4. ANOVA for completely randomized block design

Sum of Mean sum of

Source d.f. F. value
square squares
Replication r-1 RSS RMS RMS/EMS
Treatment t-1 TSS TMS TMS/EMS
Error (r-1)(t-1) ESS EMS
Total rt-1

Where;
r = Number of replications
t = Number of treatments
d.f. = Degree of freedom

21
 R.S.S. = replication sum of square
T.S.S. = Total sum of square
E.S.S. = Error sum of square
R.M.S. = Replication mean sum of square
T.M.S. = Treatment mean sum of square
EMS = Error mean sum of square

A significant value of F test indicates that the test entire differ

significantly among themselves which requires computing C.D.

C.V.= √ E.M.S.
G.M.S.
X100

C.D. = t (0.05) x S.E. (d)

Where;
C.V. = Coefficient of variation
S.E. (d) = Standard error of difference
GM = Grand mean
C.D. = Critical difference
t(0.05) = t-value 5% probability level

2
TMS – EMS
Genotypic variance (i g) =
r

Where;

TMS = Treatment mean sum of square

EMS = Error mean sum of square

r = Number of replication

2
Phenotypic variance (i p) = i 2g + i 2e

Where;

i2g = genotypic variance

i2e = Environment variance

Environment variance = Error variance

22
Variability studies

The genetic coefficient of variation is relative measure of

genetic variability. It is useful for comparing different character’s under
this study.

Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV)

Genotypic coefficient of variation was computed as per the

method suggested by Burton (1952).

Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV)

√ Genotypic variance
Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV)= X 100
X

Where;

X = Mean of the character

Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV)

Phenotypic coefficient of variation was computed by dividing the

square root of phenotypic variance by population mean and
multiplying by 100.

√ Phenotypic variance
Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV)= X 100
X

X = Mean of the character

2
Heritability estimates (h )

Heritability of character on the other hand is an index of its

transmissibility. In broad sense, it may be defined as the proportion of
genotypic variance to phenotypic variance and is calculated by the
formula suggested by Hansen et al. (1956).

2
σ 2g
h = X 100
σ 2P

23
Where;

h2 = Heritability estimates in broad sense

σ 2G = Genotypic variance

σ 2P = Phenotypic variance

Genetic advance (GA)

The genetic advance was calculated by the following formula

suggested by Johnson et al. (1955).

GA = H x σ 2P x K

Where;

GA = Genetic advance

H = Heritability

σ 2P = Phenotypic standard deviation

K = Selection differential at 5% selection intensity

Value of K = 2.06 at 5 per cent level (Lush, 1949) expected

genetic advance is always expressed in per cent over mean

Expected genetic advance

EGA in % of mean= X 100
X

Where; X = Mean of character

Correlation coefficient:

Correlation coefficients were calculated for combination of all

characters under study at genotypic and phenotypic level with the help
of formula suggested by Miller et al. (1958).

Cov. (X iXj)
rx ixj =
√ Var (x i) Var. (X j)

24
Where;

rx ixj = Correlation coefficient between characters x i and x j

Cov. (X iXj) = Covariance between characters x i and x j

th
Var (x i) = Variance of i characters
th
Var (x j) = Variance of j character

25
 RESULT

4.1 Analysis of variance

The analysis of variance showed significant differences due to

treatments for all the growth and yield attributing characters under
study. The estimated values are depicted in Table 5.

4.2 Range and mean performance

The mean performances of the genotypes for all the 18

characters are depicted in Table 7.

4.2.1 Plant height (30, 60, 90 DAS)

The plant height of okra at 30 days varied form 13.60 to 21.87

cm with a mean performance of 18.42 cm, JAE 5 had lowest height
(15.03 cm) while IC-90172 recorded maximum plant height of 22.13
cm.

On 60th day it was observed that mean plant height, was 50.93
cm and it ranged from 41.09 to 63.70 cm EC-169836 produced the
lowest (43.96 cm) plant height while VRO-6 showed the maximum
plant height (63.30 cm).

In respect of plant height on 90th day the range was between

94.80 to 114.77 cm. minimum plant height was observed in EC-
169536, where as maximum was in IC-90172 (114.70 cm). The
average was 103.43 cm.

4.2.2 Number of nodes to first flower

The number of nodes to first flower varied from 3.43 to 7.00 with
an average of 5.30. The lowest number of node to first flower was
observed in EC-169456-A (3.43) and the highest was in JAE-8
(kanchan) (7.00).

26
27
Table 5. Analysis of variance for eighteen characters in twenty-six okra genotypes.

Plant height (cm) Number of Days to Days to Length of Girth of

Source of Wt. of
D.F. nodes at 1st 50% fruit fruit
variation 30 DAS 60 DAS 90 DAS st fruit(g)
1 flowering flowering flowering (cm) (cm)
Replication 2 3.137544 22.27401 9.8126 0.059509 1.551282 4.769231 1.104509 2.412436 0.100497
Treatment 25 15.95594 74.7978 76.781 2.619017 24.74051 23.99385 23.85027 11.16122 0.36683
Error 50 2.620401 7.336752 17.0348 0.813549 7.071282 7.129231 3.032165 1.892169 0.030311
F-cal 6.0891** 10.19495** 4.5073** 3.21924** 3.498731** 3.365559** 7.8657** 5.8986** 12.102**
C.D 2.8152 4.7107 7.1779 1.5686 4.624 4.6436 3.0283 2.392291 0.3027
Cont..
Cont..

Internodal No. of
Source of No. of No. of Test wt. Yield/plant Yield/plot Yield Fruiting
D.F length branches/
variation fruits/plant seeds/fruit (g) (g) (kg) (Q/ha) span
(cm) plant
Replication 2 1.3624 23.02705 1.32994 1.44761 0.231667 0.000213 0.092108 21.17601 24.78205
Treatment 25 15.438 82.62815 2.032566 2.41743 1.712985 0.007201 3.910268 930.4955 84.19538
Error 50 2.3488 6.999318 0.247362 0.55212 0.2926 0.001293 0.891052 211.2749 12.47538
F-cal 6.5728** 11.805** 8.216955** 4.378** 5.854356** 5.568471** 4.388** 4.404** 6.7489*8
C.D 2.6653 4.601102 0.86497 1.2922 0.9407 62.5 1.6416 25.27 6.1427
** significant at 5% level of significance

Table No: 6. a. Mean performance of eighteen characters in twenty six genotypes of okra

28
 Plant height (cm) No. of nodes to Days to 1st Days to 50% Wt. of fruit Length Girth of
Genotypes
30 DAS 60 DAS 90 DAS first flower flowering flowering (g) of fruit (cm) fruit (cm)
EC-169536 18.50 43.96 94.80 4.83 38.33 42.66 11.95 12.73 4.93
EC-169456-A 21.25 47.63 99.03 3.43 35.33 38.66 14.68 15.20 5.03
IC-433615 17.13 49.17 103.07 4.57 37.67 40.33 17.85 13.60 4.58
IC-117301 22.10 53.37 106.70 5.07 35.67 41.00 12.38 16.30 5.54
IC-140927 19.47 55.30 109.13 4.37 36.33 39.67 15.00 17.30 5.47
IC-T55360 19.03 53.37 107.43 4.67 34.33 38.67 15.44 18.80 5.22
IC-282292 15.20 46.13 99.77 4.37 36.33 42.33 21.11 18.83 5.28
IC-282288 14.03 41.09 98.63 4.77 38.33 42.67 21.77 17.27 5.05
IC-305623 18.54 55.00 105.87 4.13 34.33 37.67 17.69 17.83 4.92
EC-89899 17.03 46.67 100.63 5.00 40.00 43.50 20.48 18.93 5.00
IC-90172 21.38 57.80 114.77 5.43 39.67 41.00 14.77 21.73 4.51
IC-90173 22.13 56.37 112.90 6.55 35.33 42.67 23.20 17.70 5.48
IC-411698 18.38 52.77 108.93 6.20 36.00 40.00 18.73 19.30 5.35
IC-421931 16.82 50.77 101.07 5.70 42.67 46.67 16.95 17.73 4.99
JAE-1 13.60 45.80 101.43 6.27 40.33 44.33 18.80 17.67 4.63
JAE-2 (Sonal) 18.03 49.90 108.77 4.80 34.67 39.33 14.94 16.37 5.42
JAE-3 16.93 49.43 98.57 5.87 35.33 37.67 17.70 15.73 4.55
JAE-4(OH-152) 17.67 50.67 104.63 4.67 35.33 39.00 21.81 15.73 4.95
JAE-5 15.03 50.17 95.07 6.47 39.00 43.00 17.47 16.80 4.57
JAE-6 (Shravan) 21.87 54.67 107.03 5.10 39.33 42.00 19.43 16.77 5.12
JAE-7 (Tulsi) 20.47 55.37 104.97 6.53 36.97 41.67 16.25 13.90 5.63
JAE-8 (Kanchan) 16.43 44.50 100.13 7.00 38.33 43.67 14.44 16.07 4.73
JAE-9 (US-7003) 18.53 52.73 102.27 6.47 45.67 49.67 17.94 16.90 5.42
VRO-6 19.73 63.30 105.33 4.43 36.33 40.33 17.26 15.63 5.40
Arka Anamika 20.73 51.90 97.77 6.23 38.33 42.33 16.48 18.20 4.71
Parbhani kranti 18.77 46.17 101.07 4.67 42.67 46.00 15.04 14.80 4.71

Table No : 6. b. Mean performance of eighteen characters in twenty six genotypes of okra

Genotypes No. of No. of Test wt. Internodal No. of Yield/plant Yield/plot Yield Fruiting

29
 fruits/plant seeds/fruit (g) length (cm) branches/plant (g) (kg) (Q/ha) span
EC-169536 17.83 55.60 7.44 4.16 2.66 210 5.13 79.1 62.33
EC-169456-A 15.60 59.26 6.57 3.66 3.26 220 5.49 84.80 65.00
IC-433615 13.73 51.27 5.89 3.56 2.67 250 5.88 90.75 68.00
IC-117301 16.07 57.20 7.15 4.25 3.20 200 4.77 73.65 71.00
IC-140927 18.73 48.87 5.48 3.78 4.07 280 6.75 104.11 76.33
IC-T55360 13.07 49.40 6.67 3.43 1.87 200 4.88 75.33 70.00
IC-282292 13.20 48.67 5.27 4.22 2.33 270 6.37 98.32 62.67
IC-282288 17.27 52.33 7.37 4.17 2.33 380 9.02 138.67 64.00
IC-305623 17.47 47.53 6.51 3.53 1.07 310 7.41 114.42 64.00
EC-89899 10.80 41.73 5.66 4.77 2.20 220 5.31 81.78 68.33
IC-90172 12.93 46.40 4.94 4.71 3.60 190 4.56 70.35 62.67
IC-90173 12.87 50.40 7.41 4.99 3.43 300 7.15 110.36 60.67
IC-411698 16.13 52.87 6.60 5.50 2.73 300 7.25 111.83 62.00
IC-421931 13.60 52.87 7.29 6.12 3.13 230 5.53 85.35 67.33
JAE-1 15.80 49.27 4.97 5.10 3.07 300 7.19 111.00 63.00
JAE-2(Sonal) 17.73 57.60 6.80 4.21 3.13 260 6.36 98.13 74.00
JAE-3 13.67 58.87 5.00 4.85 1.87 240 6.01 92.40 77.33
JAE-4(OH-152 13.93 45.73 5.79 4.63 2.13 300 7.29 112.56 71.00
JAE-5 20.00 39.53 5.94 5.20 2.27 350 8.40 129.69 65.00
JAE-6(Shravan) 14.07 52.53 6.25 4.99 3.87 270 6.56 101.20 74.67
JAE-7 (Tulsi) 16.60 55.67 5.56 6.46 3.33 270 6.47 112.56 73.33
JAE-8(Kanchan) 12.40 53.40 6.90 6.27 2.47 180 3.73 72.99 62.00
JAE-9(US-7003) 16.27 40.43 6.41 6.44 4.37 290 5.70 87.67 68.00
VRO-6 13.80 50.70 6.07 5.36 2.67 240 5.71 101.20 77.67
Arka Anamika© 15.20 52.80 5.92 5.15 2.33 250 6.01 92.73 63.00
Parbhani kranti© 13.93 49.87 7.85 5.42 3.47 210 5.03 77.47 65.00

30
4.2.3 Days to first flowering

In respect of days taken to initiation of flower the range

observed was 34.00 to 45.67 with an average of 37.89 days. The
maximum days taken to flower initiation was observed in JAE- 9
(45.67 days) where as minimum days taken to initiation of flower was
observed in IC-155360 and IC-305623 (34.33 days).

4.2.4 Days taken to 50 percent flowering

Days taken to 50 percent flowering varied from 37.67 to 49.67

days and the average was 41.76 days. The maximum days taken to
50 percent flowering was observed in JAE-9 and minimum days taken
to 50 percent flowering were observed in IC-305623 (37.67 days).

4.2.5 Weight of fruit (g)

In respect of weight of fruit. The range was observed from 11.95

to 21.85 g and the average was 17.25 g. The maximum weight of fruit
was recorded in IC-90173 (23.20g) and minimum weight of fruit was
showed by EC-169536 (11.95g).

4.2.6 Length of fruit (cm)

The average length of fruit was16.80 cm and range was12.73 to

21.73 cm. The longest fruit length was depicted in IC-90172 (21.73
cm) while shortest was observed in EC-169536 (12.73 cm).

4.2.7 Girth of fruit (cm)

The girth of fruit varied from 4.51 to 5.63 cm with an average of

5.04 cm. The maximum girth observed in JAE-7 (Tulsi) (5.63 cm)
where as minimum was in IC-90172 (4.51 cm).

4.2.8 Number of fruits per plant

31
 In respect of number of fruits per plant the range was 10.80 to
20.00. highest number of fruits per plant was observed in JAE-5
(20.00) where as lowest was depicted in EC-89899 (10.80).

4.2.9 Number of seeds per fruit

The number of seed per fruit varied from 39.53 to 59.20 with an
average of 53.60. JAE-5 had produced lowest number of seed per fruit
(39.53) and EC-169456-A had highest number of seeds per fruit
(59.20).

4.2.10 Test weight (g)

The test weight ranged from 4.94 to 7.85 g with an average of

6.30. Maximum test weight was recorded by Parbhani kranti (7.85g)
and minimum test weight recorded by IC-90172 (4.94 g).

4.2.11 Internodal length (cm)

The internodal length varied from 3.43 to 6.46 cm with a mean

performance of 4.80 cm. IC-155360 had lowest internodal length (3.43
cm) while JAE-7 gave maximum internodal length (6.46 cm).

4.2.12 Number of branches per plant

In case of number of branches per plant the mean was 2.83 and
ranged from 1.07 to 4.37. IC-305623 produced the lowest number of
branches (1.07) while JAF-9 showed highest number of branches per
plant (4.37).

4.2.13 Yield per plant (g)

The yield per plant varied from 180 to 380 g with the average of
260g. Highest yielding genotype was IC-282288 (380g) while JAE-8
(kanchan) gave the lowest yield per plant (180g).

4.2.14 Yield per plot (kg)

32
 The yield per plot ranged from 3.73 to 9.02 kg with an average
of 6.15 kg. The lowest yield per plot was observed in JAE-8 (kanchan)
(3.37 kg) and highest (9.02 kg) was in IC-282288.

4.2.14 Yield per hectare(Q/ha)

It was observed in case of yield per hectare the mean was

95.49q/ha and it ranged from 72.99 to 138.67q/ha. The genotype IC-
282288 produced highest yield (138.67q/ha) and genotype JAE-8
(kanchan) produced lowest yield (72.99q/ha).

4.2.15 Fruiting span (days)

The average fruiting span was 67.63. The range for fruiting
span in the genotypes studied was 60.67 to 77.67 days. The
maximum fruiting span was observed in VRO-6 (77.67) while the
minimum fruiting span was observed in IC-90173 (60.67).

4.3 Genetic variability studies

4.3.1 Genotypic coefficient of variation

It is revealed from the Table 7 that genotypic coefficient of

variation was recorded from 4.27 percent (plant height at 90 DAS) to
24.33 percent (Number of branches per plant) for different characters
under study. High genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for
number of branches (24.33) per plant, yield per plant (17.26), yield per
plot (17.65), internodal length (16.40), weight of fruit (15.39), number
of fruits per plant (13.76) and number of nodes to first flower (14.66),
while low genotypic coefficient of variation was recorded for plant
height at 30 DAS (11.92%), plant height at 60 DAS (9.30) plant height
at 90 DAS (4.27%), days to first flowering (6.40), days to 50%
flowering (5.67%), girth of fruit (6.63%), number of seeds per fruit
(9.29%), fruiting span (7.23%).

33
4.3.2 Phenotypic coefficient of variation

It is observed from table 7 that the phenotypic coefficient of

variation ranges from 5.80 percent (plant height at 90 DAS) to 30.94
(no of branches per plant) for different character under studied.

High phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for the

characters viz, number of branches per plant (30.94%), yield per plant

34
Table No: 7. Variability and genetic parameters for eighteen characters in okra
Range Genetic
P.C.V. G.C.V. Heritability advance
Characters Mean
Lowest Highest (%) (%) (%) (as a % of
mean)
Plant height at 30 DAS (cm) 18.42 13.60 21.87 15.34 11.92 60.38 19.08
Plant height at 60 DAS (cm) 50.93 41.09 63.70 10.72 9.31 75.40 16.65
Plant height at 90 DAS (cm) 103.43 94.80 114.77 5.79 4.27 54.36 6.49
No. of nodes at 1 st flowering 5.30 3.43 7.00 22.48 14.66 42.52 19.69
Days to 1 st flowering 37.89 34.00 45.67 9.49 6.40 45.44 8.89
Days to 50% flowering 41.76 37.67 49.67 8.54 5.68 44.08 7.76
Weight of fruit(g) 17.25 11.95 21.85 18.24 15.29 70.21 26.39
Length of fruit(cm) 16.80 12.73 21.73 13.27 10.46 62.01 16.96
Girth of fruit(cm) 5.04 4.51 5.63 7.48 6.64 78.72 12.13
No. of fruits/plant 15.10 10.80 20.00 16.39 13.76 70.42 23.79
No. of seeds/fruit 53.60 39.53 59.20 10.53 9.29 77.67 16.86
Test weight (g) 6.30 4.94 7.85 14.72 12.49 72.01 21.85
Internodal length(cm) 4.80 3.43 6.46 22.54 16.40 52.96 24.60
No. of branches/plant 2.83 1.07 4.37 30.94 24.32 61.80 39.40
Yield/plant (g) 260.00 190.00 380.00 21.97 17.26 61.70 27.93
Yield/plot(kg) 6.15 3.73 9.02 23.10 17.65 58.24 27.72
Yield Q/ha 95.49 72.99 138.67 22.21 16.18 53.05 24.27
Fruiting span 67.63 60.67 77.67 8.91 7.23 65.71 12.07

35
 (21.97%), yield per plot (23.10%), yield per hectare (22.21%),
number of nodes to first flowering ( 22.48%), internodal length (22.54
%), weight of fruit (28.24 %), number of fruits per plant (16.40 %).
However, low phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for the
characters plant height at 90 DAS (5.80 %),girth of fruit (7.48 %), days
to 50% flowering (8.54%), fruiting span (8.91%), days to first flowering
(9.49 %), number of seeds per fruit (10.53%), plant height at 60 DAS
(10.72%), plant height at 30 DAS (15.34%). In general it was found
that phenotypic variance was higher than genotypic variance.

2
4.4 Heritability estimates (h )

Estimation of heritability in broad sense for yield and its

components was done in accordance with following rating, high (more
then 70 percent) moderate (50 to 70 percent) and low (less then 50
percent).

Result presented in the Table 7 revealed that heritability

estimates ranged from 42.52 percent (number of nodes to first
flowering) to 78.72 percent (girth of fruit).

High heritability was recorded for girth of fruit (78.72 %), number
of seed per fruit (77.67 %), plant height at 60 DAS (75.40), Test
weight (72.01 %), weight of fruit (70.21 %), number of fruits per plant
(70.42%) where as, moderate values were noted for fruiting span
(65.71 %), length of fruit (62.01 %), number of branches per plant
(61.80 %), yield per plant (61.70 %), plant height at 30 DAS (60.30 %),
yield per plot (58.24), yield per hectare (53.05 %), internodal length
(52.96%). However, lower value of heritability were observed for days
to first flowering (45.44 %), days to 50 percent flowering and number
of nodes to first flower (42.52%).

4.5 Expected genetic advance

It is evident from Table 7 that the expected genetic advance

range from 6.49 percent (plant height at 90 DAS) to 39.40 percent

36
(number of branches per plant) for different characters. The highest
genetic advance was observed or the character number of branches
per plant (39.40) followed by yield per plant (27.93%), yield per plot
(27.72 %), weight of fruit (26.39%), yield per hectare (24.27%),
internodal length (24.60 %), number of fruit per plant (23.77 %), test
weight (21.85 %). Lowest genetic advance was recorded for number
of nodes to first flower (19.69 %) plant height at 30 DAS (19.08 %),
length of fruit (16.96 %), plant height at 60 DAS (16.65 %), number of
seeds per fruit (16.86 %), Girth of fruit (12.13 %), fruiting span (12.07
%), days to first flowering (8.90%), days to 50 percent flowering
(7.76%), and plant height at 90 DAS (6.49 %).

Moderate to high heritability coupled with high genetic advance

as in percentage of mean were noticed for characters like yield per
plant, weight of fruit, number of fruits per plant, test weight, yield per
plot, number of branches per plant. However, plant height at 60 DAS,
girth of fruit, number of seeds per fruit, fruiting span showed high
heritability with low genetic advance.

4.6 Correlation coefficient analysis

With a view to find out the degree of association between yield

and its contributing traits genotypic and phenotypic correlation
coefficients were worked out using replicated mean of 26 genotypes
with yield per plant. In general genotypic correlation coefficients were
higher in magnitude than corresponding phenotypic correlation
coefficients of different characters have been presented in table 8 and
results obtained from phenotypic correlation coefficients are presented
character wise.

4.6.1. a. Plant height at 30 days after sowing (cm)

It had a significant positive association (0.631) with plant height

at 90 days after sowing followed by number of fruits per plant (0.557)
yield per plant (0.459), length of fruit (0.377) and yield per hectare
(0.327).

37
38
Table 8. Estimation of genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients (r) between yield and its components for
twenty four genotypes and two checks of Okra.
Characters X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8 X9 X10 X11 X12 X13 X14 X15 X16 X17 X18
X1 G 0.146 0.777*** 0.211 0.016 0.294* 0.375** 0.491** -0.015 0.693** 0.303* -0.139 -0.374** 0.465** 0.338** 0.605** 0.605** 0.511**
P 0.145 0.631*** 0.151 -0.032 0.120 0.248 0.377** 0.003 0.557** 0.238 -0.124 -0.302* 0.161 0.156 0.459** 0.459** 0.327*
X2 G 0.189 0.372** 0.250 0.203 -0.136 -0.018 -0.158 0.038 -0.234 0.192 0.727** 0.033 -0.293* -0.045 -0.045 -0.153
P 0.173 0.319* 0.180 0.137 -0.154 -0.018 -0.129 0.021 -0.196 0.173 0.639** -0.034 -0.202 -0.068 -0.068 -0.111
X3 G 0.210 0.072 0.287* 0.429** 0.598** -0.179 0.632** 0.322* -0.279* -0.275* 0.305* 0.354** 0.587** 0.587** 0.542**
P 0.176 0.064 0.231 0.403** 0.584** -0.176 0.603** 0.314* -0.261* -0.270* 0.288* 0.278* 0.560** 0.560** 0.458**
X4 G 0.416** 0.482** 0.226 0.269* 0.010 0.261* 0.266* -0.163 -0.097 0.206 0.086 0.257* 0.257* 0.198
P 0.211 0.371** 0.201 0.257* 0.023 0.251 0.245 -0.153 -0.089 0.254* 0.032 0.244 0.244 0.134
X5 G 0.964** 0.128 0.007 -0.153 -0.048 0.116 0.086 0.417** -0.170 -0.072 0.018 0.018 0.072
P 0.693** 0.127 0.003 -0.039 -0.051 0.087 0.091 0.296* -0.100 0.287* 0.026 0.026 0.041
X6 G 0.387** 0.273* -0.013 0.329* 0.404** -0.229 0.145 0.118 0.203 0.377** 0.377** 0.411**
P 0.363** 0.230 -0.002 0.279* 0.337** -0.180 0.127 -0.009 0.200 0.340** 0.340** 0.336**
X7 G 0.903** 0.538** 0.718** 0.917** -0.645** -0.300* 0.464** 0.485** 0.897** 0.897** 0.920**
P 0.849** 0.448** 0.687** 0.874** -0.577** -0.285* 0.389** 0.413** 0.890** 0.890** 0.841**
X8 G 0.514** 0.735** 0.817** -0.669** -0.322* 0.403** 0.527** 0.871** 0.871** 0.887**
P 0.434** 0.718** 0.805** -0.648** -0.317* 0.402** 0.426** 0.844** 0.844** 0.757**
X9 G 0.413** 0.586** -0.435** -0.028 0.210 0.399** 0.512** 0.512** 0.606**
P 0.357** 0.524** -0.393** -0.126 0.158 0.336** 0.440** 0.440** 0.487**
X10 G 0.684** -0.670** -0.293* 0.542** 0.556** 0.950** 0.950** 0.937**
P 0.670** -0.646** -0.292* 0.453** 0.447** 0.939** 0.939** 0.829**
X11 G -0.578** -0.428** 0.374** 0.471** 0.854** 0.851** 0.870**
P -0.561** -0.425** 0.340** 0.385 0.833** 0.833** 0.811**
X12 G 0.249 -0.353** -0.215 -0.710** -0.710** -0.790**
P 0.241 -0.330** -0.156 -0.670** -0.670** -0.669**
X13 G -0.281* -0.258* -0.331** -0.331** -0.338
P -0.230 -0.200 -0.325* -0.325* -0.294**
X14 G 0.201 0.540** 0.540** 0.559**
P 0.209 0.457** 0.457** 0.346**
X15 G 0.586** 0.585** 0.542**
P 0.490** 0.490** 0.420**
X16 G 1.000** 1.000
P 1.000** 0.908**
X17 G 1.000**
P
** Significant at 1% level of significance
* Significant at 5% level of significance

39
 However, its non-significant positive correlation was observed
with weight of fruit (0.248), number of seeds per fruit (0.238), number
of branches per plant at maturity (0.161), fruiting span (0.156), number
of nodes to first flower (0.151), plant height at 60 days after sowing
(0.145), days to 50% flowerin g (0.120) and girth of fruit (0.003). A
significant negative association was exhibited by this trait with
internodal length (-0.302). It showed non-significant negative
association with test weight (0.124) and days to first flowering (-
0.032).

4.6.1. b. Plant height at 30 days after sowing (cm)

It had a significant positive association (0.639) with internodal

length and number of nodes to first flower (0.319). However, its non-
significant positive correlation was observed with days to first
flowering (0.180), plant height of 90 days after sowing (0.173), test
weight (0.173), days to 50% flowering (0.137) and number of fruits per
plant (0.021).

Fruiting span (-0.202) number of seeds per fruit (-0.196), weight

of fruit (-0.154), girth of fruit (-0.129), yield per hectare (-0.111), yield
per plant (-0.068), number of branches per plant at maturity (-0.034)
and length of fruit (-0.018) showed non-significant negative
association with this trait.

4.6.1. c. Plant height at 90 days after sowing (cm)

A significant positive correlation was shown by this trait with

number of fruits per plant (0.603), length of fruit (0.584), yield per plant
(0.560), yield per hectare (0.458), weight of fruit (0.403) number of
seeds per fruit (0.314), number of branches per plant at maturity
(0.288) and fruiting span (0.278). However, it showed significant
negative association with internodal length (-0.270) and test weight
(-0.261).

While, its non-significant positive association was noticed with

days to 50% flowering (0.231), number of nodes to first flower (0.176),

40
and days to first flowering (0.064). A non-significant negative
correlation was exhibited by this trait with girth of fruit (-0.176)

4.6.2 Number of nodes to first flower

It had shown significant positive association with days to 50%

flowering (0.371), length of fruit (0.257) and number of branches per
plant at maturity (0.254).

However, its non-significant positive correlation was observed

with number of fruits per plant (0.251), number of seeds per fruit
(0.245), yield per plant (0.244) days to first flowering (0.211), weight of
fruit (0.201), yield per hectare (0.134), fruiting span (0.032) and girth
of fruit (0.023). It showed non-significant negative association with test
weight (-0.153) and internodal length (-0.089)

4.6.3 Days of first flowering

Days to first flowering had a significant positive association with

days to 50% flowering (0.693), internodal length (0.296) and fruiting
span (0.287). However, its non-significant positive correlation was
observed with weight of fruit (0.127), test weight (0.091), number of
seeds per fruit (0.087), yield per hectare (0.041), yield per plant
(0.026) and length of fruit (0.003). It showed non-significant negative
association with number of branches per plant at maturity (-0.100),
number of fruits per plant (-0.051) and girth of fruit (-0.039).

4.6.4 Days to 50% flowering

This trait had exhibited significant positive association with

weight of fruit (0.363), yield per plant (0.340), number of seeds per
fruit (0.337), yield per hectare (0.336) and number of fruits per plant
(0.279). A non-significant positive association was expressed by this
trait with length of fruit (0.230), fruiting span (0.200) and internodal
length (0.127). It showed non-significant negative association with test

41
weight (-0.180), number of branches per plant at maturity (-0.009) and
girth of fruit (-0.002).

4.6.5 Weight of fruit (g)

Fruit weight found significant positive association with yield per

plant (0.890), number of seeds per fruit (0.874), length of fruit (0.849),
yield per hectare (0.841), number of fruits per plant (0.687), girth of
fruit (0.448), fruiting span (0.413) and number of branches per plant at
maturity (0.389).

Fruit weight showed significant negative association with test

weight (-0.557) and internodal length (-0.285).

4.6.6 Length of fruit (cm)

This trait showed highly significant positive correlation with yield

per plant (0.844), number of seeds per fruit (0.805), yield per hectare
(0.757), number of fruits per plant (0.718), girth of fruit (0.434), fruiting
span (0.426) and number of branches per plant at maturity (0.402),
While its significant negative association was observed with test
weight (-0.648) and internodal length (-0.317).

4.6.7 Girth of fruit (cm)

Fruit girth exhibited significant positive correlation with number

of seeds per fruit (0.524), yield per hectare (0.487), yield per plant
(0.440), number of fruits per plat (0.357), and fruiting span (0.336). Its
association with number of branches per plant at maturity (0.158) was
found non-significant positive. While its significant negative
associative was observed with test weight (-0.393), whereas non-
significant negative association with internodal length (-0.026).

4.6.8 Number of fruits per plant

This character had high significant positive association with

yield per plant (0.939), followed by yield per hectare (0.829), number

42
of seeds per fruit (0.670) number of branches per plant at maturity
(0.453) and fruiting span (0.447). Although its significant negative
correlation was noticed with test weight (-0.647) and internodal length
(-0.292).

4.6.9 Number of seeds per fruit

Number of seeds per fruit had a significant positive association

with yield per plant (0.833), yield per hectare (0.811), fruiting span
(0.385) and number of branches per plant at maturity (0.340), while it
showed a significant negative association with test weight (-0.561) and
internodal length (-0.425).

4.6.10 Test weight(gm)

This trait had significant negative association with yield per plant
(-0.670) yield per hectare (-0.669) and number of branches per plant
at maturity (-0.330). It showed non-significant positive association with
internodal length (0.241) and non-significant negative association with
fruiting span (-0.156).

4.6.11 Internodal length (cm)

This trail had significant negative association with yield per plant
(-0.325) and yield per hectare (-0.294), While its non significant
negative association was observed with number of branches per plant
(-0.230) and fruiting span (-0.200).

4.6.12 Number of branches per plant at maturity

This trait showed significant positive association with yield per

plant (0.457) and yield per hectare (0.346). While non-significant
positive association observed with fruiting span (0.209).

4.6.13 Fruiting span (days)

43
 Fruiting span had significant positive association with yield per
plant (0.490) and yield per hectare (0.420).

4.6.14 Yield per plant (g)

High significant positive correlation was observed with number

of fruits per plant (0.939).

Similarly it has a significant positive association with weight of

fruit (0.890), length of fruit (0.844), number of seeds per fruit (0.833),
plant height at 90 days after sowing (0.560), fruiting span (0.490),
plant height at 30 days after sowing (0.459), number of branches per
plant at maturity (0.457), girth of fruit (0.440) and days to 50%
flowering (0.340). Although yield per plant showed a significant
negative association with test weight (-0.670) and internodal length
(-0.325).

44
 DISCUSSION

Nation has to manage through agriculture and agriculture has to

manage through high yielding cultivars of different crops with desirable
quality to achieve food and nutritional security to meet the future food
demand. The targeted food production has to come from dearing
resources without adversely affecting the environment.

Among the various options available to enhance production the

exploitation of heterosis hybrid vigor through the development of F 1

hybrids is widely acknowledged as the most potential tool providing at

least 10-15 per cent additional yield. There fore development of hybrid
varieties and strong quality seed multiplication and distribution to be
the good option for enhancing yield in okra.

In the present investigation twenty four genotypes and two

checks of okra were included with the view to know some important
genetic parameters of yield and its components. This includes
parameters like genetic variability, heritability genetic advance and
nature and extent of character associated between morphological and
yield parameters. The results has been discussed in the light of the
literature available for different character under study in India and
abroad.

Genetic variability

Analysis of variance for different characters under study

revealed that the treatment effects were highly significant suggesting
existence of high genetic variability in the population. The presence of
such variability in the population under study is the ultimate result of
variability in the genetic constitution of various individuals. Such
variability is desirable and can be utilized for developing new
genotypes in okra. The progress in breeding programme depending
upon availability of genetic variability and understanding this variability
provides many avenues for genetic improvement of crop without which

45
neither the improvement in an existing lines nor is development of new
lines feasible. More the variability higher is the chance of improvement
of crop species.

Significant differences were recorded among the genotypes with

regard to plant height at 90 DAS. Maximum plant height was recorded
in genotype IC-90172 and minimum plant height in genotype EC-
169536.

All the treatments were provided similar experimental condition.

Variation in plant height was due to inherent genetic make up of the
genotypes which are some way influenced this morphological
expression through the activity of endogenous growth regulator.

The variation for plant height was also reported by Korla and
Sharma (1984), Gondane and Lal (1994), Bindu et al. (1997), Dhall et
al. (2001), Dhankar and Dhankar (2002), Bali et al. (2004), Mohapatra
et al. (2007).

There were significant differences for number of nodes to first

flower among genotypes. The lowest number of nodes to first flower
was observed in EC-169456-A and highest was in JAE-8. The
variation in number of nodes to first flower was also reported by Korla
and Sharma (1984), Yassin and Anbu (1997), Dhall et al. (2001), Bali
et al. (2004).

The maximum days taken to flower initiation was observed in

the genotype JAE-9. Where as, minimum days taken to initiation of
flower was observed in the genotype IC-155360. The variation in days
taken to initiation of flower in different genotypes may possibly be due
to variation in level of gibberellins in the plant. The higher level of
gibberellins has been reported to promote early flowering in crop plant
(Tomita, 1995). The variation for days taken to inition of flower has
also been reported by Bindu et al. (1997), Singh et al. (2007).

Significant differences were recorded among the genotypes with

regard to the days taken to 50 percent flowering. Maximum days taken

46
to 50 percent flowering was observed in JAE-9 and minimum in IC-
305623. Similar result were observed by Dhankar & Dhankar (2002).

The variation in fruit weight ranged between 11.95 to 23.20g.

The maximum weight of fruit was recorded in IC-90173. Lower fruit
weight was noted in EC-169536. The variation in fruit weight was also
reported by Dhall et al. (2001), Bendale et al. (2003), Singh et al.
(2006).

The fruit length indicates that a considerable variability was

present for this trait which can be exploited for future breeding
programme. Maximum fruit length was recorded in IC-90172 while
minimum in EC-169536. Varietals differences for fruit length have also
been reported by Bindu et al. (1997), Dhall et al. (2001), Mohapatra et
al. (2007).

The girth of fruit shows significant variation. The genotype JAE-

7 has maximum girth and minimum in IC-90172.

With regard to number of fruits per plant, the range was 10.80
to 20.00. Highest number of fruits per plant was observed in JAE-5,
where as lowest was depicted in EC-89899. Similar observation have
also been reported by Korla and Sharma (1984), Dhall et al. (2001),
Dhankar and Dhankar (2002), Bendale et al. (2003), Bali et al. (2004),
Singh et al. (2006).

The number of seeds per fruit varied from 41.78 to 59.26. The
genotype EC-89899 produced lowest number of seeds and EC-
169456- A had highest number of seeds per fruit. Similar results were
reported by Bindu et al. (1997), Singh et al. (2006), Mohapatra et al.
(2007).

Test weight differed significantly, similar finding have been

reported by Bindu et al. (1997), Bali et al. (2004), Singh et al. (2006).

In the present finding internodal distance showed significant

differences among genotypes. The maximum internodal length was
observed in JAE-7 where as, minimum in IC-155360. The variation for
internodal length have also been reported by Bendale et al. (2003),

47
Bali et al. (2004), Singh et al. (2006). Investigation on number of
branches per plant indicated that all the genotype differed
significantly. The maximum number of branches were recorded in
JAE- 9, lower number of branches were recorded in IC-305623.

Number of branches per plant has been primarily found to

related with endogenous hormonal level and apical dominance. These
finding are in agreement with Deo et al. (1996), Yassion and Anbu
(1997), Dhankar and Dhankar (2002), Bendale et al. (2003), singh and
singh (2006).

Yield is a complex character and is determined by many genes

and is highly influenced by environmental conditions. The higher yield
was obtained in genotypes IC-282288, JAE-5. The lowest yield was
obtained in IC-90172. Higher yield in IC-282288 may be attributed to
cumulative effect of lowest number of node to first flower, minimum
days taken to flower initiation, optimum length and weight of fruit.
variation in yield amongst the genotypes were also reported by Korla
and Sharma (1984), Deo et al. (1996), Dhall et al. (2001), Dhankar
and Dhankar (2002), Singh and Singh (2006) mohapatra et al. (2007)
in okra.

The range for fruiting span in the genotypes studied was 60.67
to 77.66. Maximum fruiting span was observed in VRO-6 and
minimum was in IC-90173.

Genotypic coefficient of variation (G.C.V.)

High genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for the

characters number of branches per plant, followed by yield per plot,
yield per plant, internodal length, weight of fruit, number of fruits per
plant, number of nodes to first flower indicating there by that
character offer greater scope for selection then other character.
Similar high genotypic coefficient of variation was reported by
Majumdar et al. (1974), Thaker et al. (1981), Balakrishnan and
Balakrishnan (1988), Vijay and Manohar (1990), Deo et al. (1996),
Bindu et al. (1997), Dhall et al. (2001), Dhankar and Dhankar (2002),

48
Bali et al. (2004), Singh and Singh (2006) for the character number of
fruits per plant.

Contrary to this Korla and Sharma (1984) noted low genotypic

coefficient of variation for number of fruits per plant.

High genotypic coefficient of variation for yield per plant was

also reported by Singh and Singh (1982), Vijay and Manohar (1990),
Deo et al. (1996), Bindu et al. (1997), Dhall et al. (2001), Dhankar and
Dhankar (2002), Bendale et al. (2003), Singh et al. (2006), Mohapatra
et al. (2007).

During the present study low values for genotypic coefficient of

variation was observed for the characters plant height, days to
flowering, girth of fruit, number of seeds per fruit, fruiting span, length
of fruit, test weight. These results are in agreement with Mishra and
Chhonkar (1979) Thaker et al. (1981), Vijay and Manohar (1990) for
days to 50 percent flowering. Low values of genotypic coefficient of
variation for fruit length, fruit weight and test weight was also reported
by Bali et al. (2004), Singh et al. (2006).

In respect of plant height low genotypic coefficient of variation

was reported by Bendale et al. (2007).

Phenotypic coefficient of variation

Comparatively high value of phenotypic coefficient of variation

was observed for yield per hectare, yield per plant, yield per plot,
number of branches per plant, number of nodes to first flower,
internodal length, weight of fruit, number of fruits per plant. These
results indicate that genotypes under study may offer scope for
improvement through selection for the characters those showed high
genotypic as well as phenotypic coefficient of variation. Similarly high
phenotypic coefficient of variation was reported for yield per plant,
number of fruits per plant by Singh et al. (1974), Dhall et al. (2001),
Dhankar and Dhankar (2002), Bendale et al. (2006), Singh et al.
(2007), However, similar high phenotypic coefficient of variation

49
observed by Vijay and Manohar (1990), Bali et al. (2004), Singh et al.
(2006). Similarly for number of branches per plant high phenotypic
coefficient of variation was reported by Dhankar and Dhankar (2002),
Bali et al. (2004) Singh et al. (2006), Bendale et al. (2007).

Contrary to the result of study low values of phenotypic

coefficient of variation was reported by Bali et al. (2004), singh et al.
(2006) for fruit weight. Low value of phenotypic coefficient of variation
was noted for plant height, girth of fruit, days to 50 percent flowering,
days to first flowering, fruiting span, number of seeds per fruit, length
of fruit. Similar result were reported by Vijay and Manohar (1990),
Rajni and Manju (1997), Singh et al. (2006) for days taken to 50
percent flowering. Similarly low phenotypic coefficient of variation was
recorded by Dhall et al. (2003), Bali et al. (2004), Singh et al. (2006)
for fruit length and fruit girth where as, Singh et al. (1974) reported
high value of phenotypic coefficient of variation for fruit girth.

Contrary to result of the study high phenotypic coefficient of

variation was recorded for plant height by Dhall et al. (2001), Dhankar
and Dhankar (2002), Bali et al. (2006), Singh et al. (2007). Where as,
Singh et al. (2006) reported moderate value of phenotypic coefficient
of variation for plant height.

Heritability

Heritability which denotes the proportion of genetic controlled

variability expressed by a programme for a particular character or a
set of character is very important biometrical tool for guiding plant
breeder’s procedures. Thus wide range of variability and high
heritability values are essential for improvement through selection.
Low heritability of the character indicates that the character is largely
influenced by environment. In such cases large population is required
for selection of desirable genotypes.

The heritability estimates have been calculated for yield and its
components. It is classified as high (>70%), medium (50-70%) and
low (<50%).

50
 In the present investigation high heritability estimates were
recorded for girth of fruit, number of seeds per fruit, plant height at 90
DAS, test weight, weight of fruit, number of fruits per plant. Similar
result were reported for the characters number of fruits per plant and
weight of fruit by Patil et al. (1996), Panda and Singh (1997), Bali et
al. (2004). High heritability was recorded for number of seeds per fruit
and test weight by Bali et al. (2004), Singh et al. (2006), Gandhi et al.
(2001), Singh et al. (2007) reported high heritability for fruit girth.

Moderate heritability were noted for length of fruit number of

branches per plant, yield per plant, yield per plot, yield per hectare,
plant height at 60 DAS, internodal length, fruiting span. As regard to
the number of branches per plant moderate heritability was also
observed by Thaker et al. (1981), Gondane and Lal (1994), Bindu et
al. (1997) where as high heritability for the number of branches per
plant was reported by Mishra and Chonkar (1979), Paiva et al. (1998),
Dhankar and Dhankar (2002), Bali et al. (2004), Singh et al. (2007)
which is contrary to the results of this study. Length of fruit showed
moderate heritability. Similar results were observed by Thaker et al.
(1981), and Patel and Dalal (1992), while Paiva et al. (1998), Dhall et
al. (2001), Bali et al.(2004), Singh et al. (2007) observed high
heritability for fruit length, where as Sunil et al. (2007) observed low
heritability for fruit length. Vijay and Manoher (1990), Bail et al. (2004),
observed high heritability for internodal length which was contrary to
the results of present study.

The character yield per plant expressed moderate heritability

while high heritability was reported by Padda et al. (1970), Reddy et
al. (1985), Deo et al. (1996), Dhankar and Dhankar (2002), Bendale et
al. (2003), Singh et al. (2006) Sunil et al. (2007).

Thaker et al. (1981), Sood et al. (1995), reported moderate

heritability for the plant height at 90 DAS which was similar to the
result of present findings. In contrast to above high heritability
estimates were produced by various worker like Reddy et al. (1985),

51
Ariyo (1990), Deo et al. (1996), Bindu et al. (1997), Paiva et al. (1998),
Dhall et al. (2001), Bali et al. (2004).

The low heritability was observed for Days to first flowering,

days to 50 percent flowering and number of nodes to first flower which
indicates that these characters are more influenced by the
environment and may not respond to selection.
st
High value of heritability for days to 1 flowering and days to 50
percent flowering was observed by Singh et al. (2006), Sunil et al.
(2007). Heritability determines the relative amount of heritable
proportion of variability. It is observed that except days to first
flowering, days to 50 Percent flowering and number of nodes to first
flower all other character studied had high to moderate heritability
estimates indicating that these character are less influenced by the
environment and may respond more towards visual selection
procedures.

Expected Genetic Advance (E.G.A.)

Heritability estimates alone are not useful in predicting the

results about the selection, unless it is accompanied by genetic
advance (Johnson et al. 1955).

In the present study high value of expected genetic advance

was observed for the characters like number of branches per plant,
yield per plant, yield per plot, yield per hectare, weight of fruit
internodal length, number of fruits per plant, test weight. These high
estimates are indicative of the fact that improvement could be quickly
realized in these characters through selection.

These findings are in agreement with Reddy et al. (1995),

Panda and Singh (1997), Yadav et al. (2002), Bali et al. (2004), Singh
et al. (2007), for yield per plant and number of fruits per plant.

Low genetic advance was recorded in number of nodes to first

flower, plant height at 30, 60, 90 DAS, length of fruit, number of seeds
per fruit, Girth of fruit, fruiting span, days to first flowering, days to 50

52
percent flowering. Similar results were reported for the characters
days to first flowering by kale et al. (1989), Bindu et al. (1997), and
Yadav et al. (2002) where as low genetic advance observed for length
of fruit by Thaker et al. (1981), Vijay and Manohar (1990), and Yadav
et al. (2002). Bindu et al. (1997) and Gandhi et al. (2002) observed
low heritability for girth of fruit.

Moderate to high heritability with high genetic advance as in

percentage of mean was observed for characters like yield per plant,
weight of fruit , number of fruits per plant, test weight, yield per plot,
number of branches per plant. This indicates that these characters
were controlled by additive gene effects and consequently with less
environmental effect which could be improved through direct selection.
Similar findings were observed by Reddy et al. (1985), Balakrishnan
and Balakrishnan (1988), Deo et al. (1996), Panda and Singh (1997)
Bali et al. (2004), Sunil et al. (2007).

Plant height at 60 DAS, girth of fruit, number of seed per fruit,

fruiting span, showed high heritability with low genetic advance
indicated that there is a non additive gene effect present for these
traits. similar results were also reported by thakur et al. (1996).

Correlation coefficient studies

Correlation coefficient measures the relationship between two

or more variables. They are helpful in determining component
characters of complex characters. Yield is a complex character
resulting from the interaction of a number of factors and the
environmental conditions. In order to develop a high yielding
genotype, selection based on the performance of the yield is usefully
not very efficient but when it is based on the component characters it
may give more efficient results.

Correlation, coefficient revealed the existence of varying

closeness of inter relationship among the characters under study. In
general the genotypic correlation coefficients were higher then their
corresponding phenotypic values for most of the character under

53
study showing less influence of environments on inheritance of
characters.

In the present investigation, the characters exhibiting significant

positive phenotypic correlation with yield number of fruits per plant,
weight of fruit, length of fruit, number of seeds per fruit, plant height at
30 and 90 days after sowing, fruiting span ,number of branches per
plant at maturity, fruit girth and days to 50% flowering. Thus, it
indicates the importance of these characters in selection.

Critical examination of association among yield contributing

characters indicated that the highest positive significant association of
number of fruits per plant. These results are in conformity with the
findings of Singh and Singh (1979), Mahajan and Sharma (1979),
Ajimal et. al. (1979), Shukla (1990), Yadav (1996), Subrata et al.
(2004) and Bhalekar et al. (2005).

The positive significant association of plant height with number

of fruits per plant, length of fruits, yield per plant, yield per hectare,
weight of fruits, number of seeds per fruit, number of branches per
plant at maturity and fruiting span. It indicates that yield could be
increases due to increase in plant height. These findings are
supported by Singh and Singh (1979), Mahajan and Sharma (1979),
Sood et al. (1995) Rajani and Manju (1997), Yadav (1996) had
reported the significant and positive association between plant height
and length of fruits.

Number of nodes to first flower had positive significant

association with days to 50% flowering, length of fruit and number of
branches per plant at maturity.

The association of days to first flowering with days to 50%

flowering, internodal length and fruiting span was observed to be
positive and significant, while negative association with number of
branches per plant at maturity, number of fruits per plant and girth of
fruit. This indicated the importance of this trait in increasing the
number of fruits per plant by decreasing number of days to first

54
flowering and also possible increase in fruit yield indirectly through the
improvement of these characters. The importance and utility of this
association was also reported by Hazare and Basu (2000).

The association of days to 50% flowering with weight of fruit,

yield per plant, number of seeds per fruit and number of fruits per
plant. Gondane et al. (1995) also reported similar findings for the
character days to 50% flowering with yield per plant.

Weight of fruit was found positively and significantly correlated

with yield per plant, number of seeds per fruit, length of fruit, number
of fruits per plant, girth of fruit, fruiting span and number of branches
per plant at maturity. These results were also strongly supported by
Patro and Ravishankar (2004) and Subrata et al. (2004) for the
character yield per plant.

Length of fruit showed significant positive correlation with yield

per plant, number of seeds per plant, number of fruits per plant, girth
of fruit, fruiting span and number of branches per plant at maturity.
Similar results have been also reported by Singh et al (1975), Singh
and Singh (1979), Mahajan and Sharma(1979), Sood et al (1995),
Patro and Ravishankar (2004).

Girth of fruit was found positively and significantly correlated

with number of seeds per fruit, yield per plant, number of fruits per
plant and fruiting span. It had significant negative association with test
weight.

Number of fruits per plant was found to be positively and

significantly correlated with number of seeds per fruit, while it was
negatively and significantly associated with test weight and internodal
length.

Number of seeds per fruit had a significant positive association

with number of branches per plant at maturity while it was negatively
and significantly associated with test weight and internodal length.

55
 Number of branches per plat had a significant positive
association with yield per plant, which were reported by Rajani and
Manju (1997).

The rest of the association did not show much promise and
hence may be of minor importance in influencing yield per plant.

56
 SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS FOR
FURTHER WORK

Summary

The present investigation entitled “Genetic variability and

correlation studies in okra [ Abelmuschus esculentus (L) Moench]”
was carried out in kharif season during the year 2008-09 at
Horticulture Complex, Maharajpur JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P.). The
experimental material consisted of 26 genotypes of okra. The
statistical design adopted was randomized Block Design with three
replications.

The investigation was undertaken with the objective to estimate

the range of variation for yield and its components and was estimated
with the help of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation it was
also aimed to estimate heritability and genetic advance with the help
of heritability present in the genotypes along with possible genetic
advance and also aimed to determined association among character
under study.

Analysis of variance indicated existence of high genotypic

coefficient of variation for number of braches per plant, yield per plot,
yield per plant, internodal length, weight of fruit, and number of fruit
per plant.

The results obtained in the present investigation showed

considerable amount of genetic variability and mean value for all the
characters had shown wide range of variability.

High phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for

number of branches per plant, yield per plot, yield per plant, number of
nodes to first flower, internodal length, weight of fruit, and number of
fruits per plant. These characters showed higher genotypic as well as
phenotypic coefficient of variation thus indicate presence of additive

57
gene action and likelihood of favourable response to selection by
these characters.

During studies IC-282288, JAE-5, JAE-7, JAE-4 was found

better with respect of yield IC-282288 had yield advantage of 78%
over the check Parbhani Kranti.

Heritability estimates for different characters ranged from 42.52

percent to 78.72 percent. High heritability recorded for girth of fruit,
number of seed per fruit, plant height at 90 DAS, test weight, number
of fruits per plant where as moderate values where noted for fruiting
span, length of fruit, number of branches per plant, plant height at 30
DAS, yield per plant, yield per hectare, internodal length.

Almost all the characters except days to first flowering, days to

50 percent flowering and number of nodes to first flower have
exhibited moderate to high heritability estimates, this has extended the
hope for reliability of selection in the present genotypes studied.
Since, it is a broad sense heritability a caution has to be exercised for
its direct application while making the selection.

High value for genetic advance among different characters

under study was observed for the number of branches per plant
followed by yield per plant, yield per plot, weight of fruit, yield per
hectare, internodal length, number of fruits per plant, test weight.

The presence of low estimates for genotypic coefficient of

variation phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and expected
genetic advance in the remaining characters indicated the presence of
non additive gene action and more environmental influence on these
characters.

In correlation studies most of the traits should the higher

genotypic magnitude then the corresponding phenotypic ones.
Number of fruits per plant, weight of fruit, length of fruit, number of
seed per fruit, plant height, fruiting span, number of branches per plant
and fruit girth were positively and significantly associated with yield

58
per plant while significantly negative association with test weight and
internodal length.

Conclusion

All the characters were found to be significant due to treatment

which indicates existence of high genetic variability for all the
character under study.

In the present investigation four genotypes IC-282288, JAE-5,

JAE-7, JAE-4 identified as high yielding.

High genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for number

of branches per plant, yield per plant, yield per plot, internodal length,
number of fruits per plant, weight of fruit and number of nodes to first
flower. Genotypic variability is a basic requisite for any successful
selection of scheme. Occurrence of high heritability with high genetic
advance was recorded in number of branches per plant, test weight,
weight of fruit, and number of fruits per plant which ultimately increase
the scope of breeder for selection.

In general genotypic coefficient of correlation were greater then

the corresponding phenotypic ones indicating that there was an
inherent association among various character and phenotypic
expression of correlation was less under the influence of environment.
The yield per plant recorded significant positive correlation with
number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, length of fruit, number of seeds
per fruit, plant height, fruiting span, fruit girth and number of branches
per plant.

Suggestion for further work

1. The genotypes as high yielding should be tested in multilocational

trials for judging their adaptability and superiority across the
season and locations.

2. The existing genetic variability may be critical for improvement of

yield in okra.

59
3. Character’s having desirable association with fruit yield should be
given due consideration for improvement of yield in okra.

4. Estimation of heritability and genetic advance indicated that

solution for internodal length, number of fruits per plant, weight of
fruit, number of branches per plant.

5. Yellow vein mosaic is a dangerous viral disease with respect to

high yield, so high yielding genotypes should be tested for insect
and disease resistant/tolerance.

60
 REFERENCE

Agarwal, R.C., G. Lal and K.V. Petar (1984). Biometrical analysis of

earliness, pod yield. Seed yield and their components in
okra. Veg. Sci . 11 (2) : 85-93.

Ajimal, H.R., R.S. Rattan and S.S. Saini (1979). Correlation and path
coefficient analysis in okra. Haryana J. Hort. Sci . 8. (1-2):
58-63.

Ariyo, O.J. (1990) Variation and heritability of fifteen characters on

okra. Tropical Agriculture. 67 (3) : 213-216.

Arumugam, R. and C.R. Muthukrishnan (1977). Studies on variability

in Bhindi (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) . South
Indian Hort . 35 (6) : 300-303.

Balakrishnan, S. and R. Balakrishnan (1988). Studies on variability in

bhindi. South Indian Hort. 35 (6) : 300-303.

Balakrishnan, S. and R. Balakrishnan (1990). Association and path

analysis in bhindi. South Indian Hort . 38 (5) : 274-275.

Bali; S.S., Raj Narayan and N. Ahmed (2004). Genetic variability in

okra. Udyanika ( A Journal of Horticulture Science) . 10 (4)
: 33-35.

Bendale, V.W., B.R. Kadam, S.G. Bhave, J. L. Mehta, U.B. Pethe

(2003). Genetic variability and correlation studies in okra.
Orissa J. Hort . 31 (2) : 1-4.

Bhalekar, S.G., C.A. Nimbalkar and U.T. Desair (2005). Correlation

and path analysis studies in okra . J. Maharashtra Agric.
Univ. 30 (1) : 109 – 112.

Bindu, K.K., P. Manju and S.F. Sreekumar (1997). Genetic variability

in bhindi. South Indian Hort. 45 (5 & 6) : 286 – 288.
th
Burton, G.W. (1952). Quantitative inheritance in grasse. Proc. 6 Int.
Grassland Congr. 1 : 273 – 283.

61
Deo, C., K. P. Singh and P.K. Panda (1996). Genetic variability,
correlation and path analysis in okra. Environmental and
Ecology . 14 (2) : 315 – 317.

Dhall, R.K., S.K. Arora and Mamta, Rani (2001). Study on variability,
heritability and genetic advance of generations in okra
(Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench). Haryana J. Hort.
Sci . 30 (1-2) : 76 – 78.

Dhankar, B.S. and S.K. Dhankar, (2002). Genetic variability,

correlation and path analysis in okra ( Abelmoschus
esculentus (L.) Moench). Veg. Sci . 29 (1) : 63 – 65.

Fisher, R. A. and F. Yates (1957). Statistical tables Stat. Ed. Oliver

and Boyd.

Gandhi, H. T., M.D. Yadav and P.A. Havale (2001). Studies on

variability in okra. J. Maharashtra Agri. Univ . 26 (2) : 146
– 148.

Gondane, S.U. and G. Lal (1994). Genetic studies in okra. Annals of

Plant Physiology. 8 (1): 96 - 98.

Gondane, S.U.; G.L. Batia and P.S. Partap (1995). Correlation studies
in yield component in okra. Haryana J. Hort. Sci . 24 (2) :
151 – 156.

Gulshan Lal (1986). Selection indices for improving earliness, pod

yield and yield in okra. Prog. Hort. 18 (1-2) : 118 – 121.

Hanson, C.H.; H. F. Robinson and R.E. Comstock (1956). Biometrical

studies of yield in segregating population of Korean
Lespecteza. Agron. J . 46 (6) : 268 – 272.

Hazare, P. and D. Basu (2000). Genetic variability correlation and

path analysis in okra. Ann. Agric. Res . 21 (3) : 452 – 453.

Indurani, C. and D. Veeraragavathatham (2005). Genetic variability,

heritability and genetic advance in okra. Indian J. Hort . 62
(3) : 303 – 305.

62
Jaiprakashnarayan, R.P. and R. Mulge (2004). Correlation and path
analysis in okra . Indian. J. Hort . 61 (3) : 232 – 235.

Jaiprakashnarayan, R.P., R. Mulge, Y.K. Kotikal, M.P. Patil, M.B.

Madalageri and B.R. Patil (2006). Studies on genetic
variability for growth and earliness character in okra. Crop
Res . Hisar. 32 (3) : 411 – 413.

Jeyapandi, A. and R. Balakrishnan (1990). Correlation analysis in

bhindi. South Indian Hort. 38 (2): 83 – 85.

Johnson, H.W., H.F. Robinson and R.E. Comstock (1955). Genotypic

and phenotypic correlation in soybean and their
implications in selection. Agron. J. 47 (10) : 477 – 483.

Joshi, A.B., H.B. Singh and P.S. Gupta (1998). Studies in hybrid
vigour on Buindi. Indian J. Genet . 18 (1) : 57 – 58.

Kale, P.B., V.N. Dod and R.R. Tapar (1989). Variability and correlation
studies in okra. PKV Research Journal 13 : 1 – 5.

Kamal, R.V., J.R. Yadav, B. Singh, S.K. Tiwari and S.K. Singh (2003).
Correlation and path coefficient analysis in okra. Plant
Archives. 3 (2): 299-302.

Korla, B.N. and P.P. Sharma (1984). Genetic Variability in okra.

Haryana J. Hort. Sci. 13 (3-4) : 165 – 169.

Larner, I.M. (1914). Genetic Homeostasis. Oliver and Bond , Edinburg

Lush, J. L. (1940). Correlation and regression of offspring ondam as

method of estimating heritability characters. Proc Amer.
Soc. Anim. Prod. 293 - 301.

Mahajan, Y.P. and B. R. Sharma (1979). Parent offspring correlation

and heritability of some characters in okra. Scientia Hort .
10 : 135 – 139.

Majumdar, M.K., S.D. Chatterjee, P. Bose and G. Bhattacharya

(1974). Variability, inter-relationship and path coefficient

63
 analysis for some Quantitative characters in okra. Indian
Agriculturalist . 18 (1) : 13–20.

Miller, D.A., J.C. Williams, H.F. Robinson and K.B. Comstock (1998).
Estimates of genotypic and environmental variances and
convention in upland cotton and their implication in
selection. Agron. J. 30 : 126 – 131.

Mishra, R. and D.N. Singh (1985). Correlation and path coefficient

analysis in okra. South Indian Hort . 33(6) : 360 – 366.

Mishra, R.S. and V.S. Chhonkar (1979). Studies on genetic variability

in okra. Indian J. Hort . 36 (4) : 434 – 437.

Mishra, R.S., U.K. Rath and G.S. Sahu (1990). Association of

biometric characters in okra. Orissa J. Agril. Research .3
(1) : 6 – 8.

Mohapatra. M.R., P. Acharyya, and S. Sengupta (2007). Variability

and association analysis in okra . Indian Agriculturist 51
(1/2) : 17 – 26.

Niranjan, R.S. and M.N. Mishra (2003). Correlation and path

coefficient analysis in okra. Prog. Hort . 35 (2) : 192 – 195.

Padda, D.S., M.S. Swimbhai and J. Singh (1970). Genetic evaluation

and correlation studies in okra. Indian J. Hort . 27 : 39 –
41.

Paiva, W.O. De-costa and C.P. Da (1998). Genetic parameters in

okra. Pesquisa Agropecuaria. Brasiteira . 33 (5) : 705 –
712.

Panda, P.K. and K.P. Singh (1997). Genetic variability, heritability and
genetic for pod glad and its contributing troths in okra.
Hybrids. Madras Agril. J. 84 (3): 136-138.

Panse, V.G. and P. K. Sukhatme (1955). Statistical methods for

nd
agriculture workers. 2 Edn. ICAR Publications. New
Delhi : 152 – 161.

64
Patel, J.N. and K.C. Dalal (1992). Variability in okra. Gujrat Agril. Univ.
Research J . 18 (1) : 132 – 134.

Patil, Y.B., B.B. Madalgeri, B.D. Biradar and G. Patil (1996). Heterosis
studies in okra. Karnataka J. Agril Sci . 9 (3) : 478 – 482.

Patro, T.S. and C. Ravishankar (2004). Genetic variability and

multivariate analysis in okra. Tropical Agricultural Res .
16 ; 99 – 113.

Patro, T.S. and C. Ravishankar (2006). Characters association and

path coefficient analysis in okra. J. Res. ANGRAU . 34 (1):
8 – 14.

Pratap, P.S., B.S. Dhoukar and M.C. Pandit (1979). Inter –

relationship and path analysis studied in okra. Haryana
Agric. Univ. J. Res . 9 (2) : 317 – 321.

Purewal, S.S. and G.S. Randhawa (1947). Genetics of quantitative

character in bhindi. Indian J. Agric. Sci . 17 : 127 – 136.

Rajani, B. and P. Manju (1997). Variability studies in okra. South

Indian Hort . 45 (1&2) 61 – 62.

Rao, T.S. and K. Giriraj (1974). Hybrid variety in bhindi. Current Res .
3 (8): 97 – 98.

Rao. T.S. and P.M. Ramu (1975). A study of correlation and

regression coefficients in bhindi. Current Research . 6 :
135 – 137.

Reddy, K.R., R.P. Singh and A.K. Rai (1985). Variability and
association analysis in okra. Madras Agril. J . 72 (8) : 478
– 480.

Robinson, H.F., R.E. Comstock and P.H. Harvey (1949). Genetic and
Phenotypic correlations in corn and their correlation in
corn and their implication in selection. Agron. J. 43 : 262 –
267.

65
Shukla A.K. (1990). Correlation and path coefficient analysis in okra.
Prog. Hort. 1-4 : 156 – 159.

Singh, A.K., N. Ahmed, Rajnarayan, and M.A. Chatoo (2007).Genetic

Variability, correlations and path analysis in okra under
Kashmir conditions. Indian J. Hort. 64 (4) ; 472 – 474.

Singh, B., A.K. Pal, and Sanjay Singh (2006). Genetic variability and
correlation analysis in okra. Indian J. Hort . 63 (3) : 281 –
285.

Singh, K., Y.S. Malik, Kalloo, G. and N. Mehrotra (1974). Genetic

variability and correlation studies in bhindi. Haryana J.
Hort. Sci . 7 (1-2) : 68 – 73.

Singh, S.P., and H.N. Singh (1982). Studies on genetic parameters in

okra. J. Mysore Hort. Soc . 27 (20) : 53 – 55.

Singh S.P. and J.P. Singh (2006). Variability, heritability and scope of
improvement for yield components in okra. International
J. of Plant Sci . Mujaffarnagar 1 (2):154–155.

Subrata Sarkar, P. Hazara and A. Chattopadhyay (2004). Genetic

variability, correlation and path analysis in okra.
Horticultural J. 14 (1) : 59 – 66.

Sunil Kumar, J.R. Yadav, Gaurav Mishra, Sanjeev Kumar and B.

Singh (2007). Estimation of heritability and genetic
advance in okra. Plant Archives 7 (2) : 923 – 924.

Sood, S., P.S. Arya and Y. Singh (1995). Genetic variability and
correlation studies in okra. Advances in Horticulture and
Forestry, 4: 109-118.

Thaker, D.N., S.B.S. Tikka, K.K. Patel and S.J. Ukani (1981). Analysis
of parameters of variability in okra. Indian J. Hort. 38
(Sept – Dec.).

Thakur, P.G.; S.K. Luthra and T.S. Verma (1996). Genetic Variability
in okra. Haryana J. Hort. Sci . 25 (2) : 57 – 59.

66
Tomita, T. (1959). The fraction of diffusate obtained from vernalized
winter rye and other effect on flowering of annual meaday
grass . Tohoku J. Agril. Res. 10 : 1 – 6.

Vashistha, R.N., M.L. Pandita and R.D. Bhutani (1982). Variability

Studies in okra under dry farming condition. Haryana J.
Hort. Sci. 11 (1-2) : 117 – 121.

Vijay, O.P. and S.C. Manohar (1990). Studies on genetic variability,

correlation and path analysis in okra. Indian J. Hort. 47 (1)
: 97 – 103.

Yadav, D.S. (1996). Correlation and causation. J. Agric. Res . 20 : 257

– 287.

Yadav, J.R., R.V. Kumar, S.K. Tiwari and B. Singh (2002). Determine
Solution corresponding in okra . Prog. Agriculture 2 (2) :
181 – 186.

Yassin, G.M. and S. Anbu (1997). Variability studies in bhindi. South

Indian Hort. 45 (1 & 2) : 13 – 15.

67