Manifestation of Heterosis in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Seventeen lines of okra were crossed with four pollen parents in a line x tester fashion. Analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences for all the characters suggesting the presence of genetic variability among the material studied. The extent of heterosis over better parent as well as check hybrid was higher for primary branches per plant followed fruit hair density, internodes per plant, fruit yield per plant, plant height, fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit hair length, fruit length and days to flower. Cross combinations viz., M 172 x Arka Anamika and Sel. 2 x GO 2 showed highest heterosis for fruit yield over better parent and standard check, respectively. Among the other cross combinations M 65x Arka Anamika, P 7x Parbhani Kranti, JOL 1 x GO 2, Local Redx HRB 55 and Arka Abhay x Parbhani Kranti exhibited higher heterosis over better parent as well as check hybrid for fruit yield and other related traits studied in the present investigation. Thus, these can be considered as the promising cross combinations for fruit yield and hence can be exploited for future use.