Genetic parameters and path analysis of yield and its components in okra at different sowing dates in the Gangetic plains of eastern India

There is continuing need to identify traits that can facilitate selection of productive progenies. For this, 18 genotypes of okra [ Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] were evaluated for the extent of genetic variability, heritability, correlation and path analysis among various morphological, reproductive and nutritional  characters related to fruit yield over two growing seasons in the Gangetic plains of eastern India. Phenotypic co-efficient of variation (PCV) agreed closely with the genotypic co-efficient of variation (GCV) but the magnitude of PCV was higher than GCV for almost all the characters studied during both seasons which reflect the influence of environment on the expression of traits. High PCV and GCV values were shown by fruit yield per plant, numbers of fruit per plant and plant height at flowering during both seasons. The remaining traits  recorded moderate to low PCV and GCV estimates, indicating that selection for these characters will be less  effective. All characters studied exhibited moderate to high heritability. However, pooled genetic advance (GA) expressed as percentage of mean was high for fruit yield per plant, numbers of fruit per plant, plant height at  flowering and fruit weight. Characters showing moderate to high genetic gain also showed high heritability,  indicating that most genetic variations in these characters were due to additive gene effects. From the  correlation and path coefficient analyses, it revealed that the top priority should be given to selection based on numbers of fruit per plant and fruit weight for yield improvement and could be considered while formulating  selection indices in the improvement of okra. Key words: Okra, genetic variability, heritability, correlation, path analysis.