Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Genetic analysis of nutritional and quality traits in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] by exploiting heterosis, combining ability and gene action
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Himanshi, Bisht Yashpal Singh, Saurabh Amit, Ahir Megha, Rawat Anand Singh, Ruksana, Saini Diksha
Research Articles | Published: 25 May, 2026
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Keywords: Combining ability, Gene action, Heterosis, Diallel, Okra, Quality
Abstract
Okra is a valuable vegetable that offers healthy nourishment and boosts the economy. Despite its importance, breeding efforts to enhance its quality attributes have been limited. Studying heterosis and combining ability is crucial for enhancing nutritional quality. Heterosis can result in superior offspring with increased nutritional quality, while knowing combining ability aids in determining the suitable parent for breeding programs. Therefore, a study involving 8 diverse genotypes were crossed to produce 28 F1 hybrids using half diallel method, were evaluated in a Randomized block design (RBD). Result showed that Punjab-8 × Punjab Lalima recorded best heterosis for moisture and dry matter, Pusa Bhindi-5 × Kashi Lalima for reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, total sugar and pericarp thickness, Kashi Lalima × Punjab Lalima recorded higher standard heterosis for TSS, ascorbic acid and total phenol (p < 0.05). Combining ability analysis revealed that Punjab-8, Kashi Lalima and Arka Anamika were identified as good general combiners. Several hybrids, including Punjab-8 × Punjab Lalima, Pusa Bhindi-5 × Kashi Lalima, Pusa Bhindi-5 × Kashi Pragati and Arka Anamika × Prabhani Kranti, exhibited high specific combining ability effects for multiple traits. The GCA: SCA variance ratio suggested the predominance of non-additive over additive gene action in the inheritance of all traits under study. The low predictability ratio and low narrow-sense heritability further supported the importance of dominance effects in trait inheritance. The identified superior hybrids can be utilized in heterosis breeding programs aimed at improving quality attributes in okra.
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Author Information
Department of Horticulture, Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, India