Heterotic expression for fruit yield and component traits in intervarietal hybrids of okra [Abelmsochus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Abstract

Heterosis studies were conducted using 9 lines and 3 testers in a line × tester mating design at Vegetable Research Farm, CSK HPKV, Palampur (H.P.) during rainy season 2021. The results revealed HPO-1 × P-8, Kashi Vibhuti × Hisar Unnat, Palam Round × Hisar Unnat and VRO-4 × Hisar Unnat found as promising cross-combinations over better parent for fruit yield. Whereas Palam Round × Hisar Unnat, Kashi Vibhuti × Hisar Unnat and VRO-4 × Hisar Unnat were the top ranking cross-combinations exhibiting significant heterosis over Samrat (standard check 1) and Shakti (standard check 2). Palam Round × Hisar Unnat was identified as best cross-combination as it exhibited significant positive heterosis over both SC1 and SC2 for fruit yield per plant. It also displayed significant positive heterosis over SC1 for nodes per plant, plant height, average fruit weight and fruits per plant and over SC2 for average fruit weight. Hybrid vigour is available for ’ commercial production of okra hybrid and that isolation of pure lines from the progenies of heterotic F s is a 1 possible way to enhance the fruit yield.