Studies on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for various quantitative traits in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Monech] genotypes under north gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh

An experiment was undertaken on twelve genotypes and seventeen characters of okra to evaluate the genetic parameters like genetic variability, GCV, PCV, heritability, genetic advance and genetic gain. Significant differences among genotypes were observed for all the characters under study. The wide range of variability was observed among seventeen characters of all genotypes. The PCV values were generally higher than their respective GCV values, thus revealing the role of environmental factors. The phenotypic and genotypic variations were higher for number of branches per plant, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, number of nodes on main stem and node at which first flower appears. The highest value of broad sense of heritability was recorded for number of branches per plant followed by fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, node at which first flower appears and plant height. The highest genetic advance as a percentage of mean was recorded fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, plant height, number of branches per plant. Number of branches per plant, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per hectare recorded high GCV and PCV, high heritability coupled high genetic advance as per cent of mean indicates selection could be effective for improvement in these characters.