Combining Ability for Yield and Yield Components through Diallel Analysis in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) moench)

Abstract

Combining ability analysis was carried out for fruit yield and its components in okra in a 8 x 8 full diallel cross. Both general a combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) variances were highly significant for all the characters indicating the importance of both additive and non additive gene actions. The proportion of variance due to GCA/SCA was found to be less than unity for all the characters except for fruit length indicating predominance of non-additive gene action in determining these traits except fruit length which is determined by additive gene action. The highest gca effect for fruit yield per hectare recorded in Arka Anamika followed by Arka Abhay. The highest significant positive sca effect was observed in the cross Arka Anamika x DBh-43 followed by DBh-47 x Arka Anamika and DBh-47 x DBh-30. Based on the total score values it is observed that among the parents Arka Anmika had higher gca scores and is a good combiner followed by Arka abhay and DBh-43. Among hybrids, Arka Anamika x DBh-43 had highest sca score and is a good combiner followed by Arka Anamika x DBh-37 and DBh-30 x DBh-55 hybrids.