Screening of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) genotypes for fruit yield and yield-related traits under heat stress for heterosis breeding

Abstract:

Seventeen okra genotypes were evaluated under heat stress during Zaid 2024 at the Field Experimentation Center of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with three replications and a spacing of 30 cm × 45 cm. The objective was to assess genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, and trait correlations in important quantitative characters. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among genotypes for days to 50% flowering, days to first picking, number of branches per plant, fruit length, days to last picking, and first fruiting node, suggesting the presence of adequate genetic variation. High heritability coupled with moderate to high genetic advance was observed for earliness traits, branching, number of nodes per plant, and fruit length. Fruit yield per plant showed positive and significant associations with number of branches, number of fruits per plant, plant height, days to last picking, and first fruiting node, indicating that these traits may be effective selection criteria for heat-stressed okra improvement.