Genetic variability, correlation and path analysis of yield and its components characters in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Abstract

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) (Moench)], is an
economically important vegetable crop grown in tropical
and sub-tropical parts of the world. It is commonly
known as okra or lady’s finger in India. Its tender green
fruits are used as a vegetable and are generally marketed
in fresh form, but sometimes in canned or dehydrated
form. Major states of cultivation in India are Gujarat,
West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa,
Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, (NHB 2017-18).
In India, it is grown inan area of 5.09 lakh hectare with
a production of 6095000 metric tons and productivity
of 12 tons/ha with first position in area and production
in the world(NHB, 2017-18). It is an autogamous crop,
having an outcrossing rate to an extent of 4 to 19% with
the maximum of 42.2%. Genetic variability plays an
important role in crop breeding for selecting the elite
genotypes for making rapid improvement in yield and
other desirable characters as well as to select the potential
parent for hybridization programme