Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in okra [Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench]

Highly significant differences were found among the genotypes for all the characters studied except fruit diameter and number of branches per plant. Number of branches per plant and length of first fruiting node showed the highest phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation closely followed by number of seeds per fruit. The GCV and PCV values for most of the characters were found to be very distant to each-other, indicated that characters much influenced by environmental factors. The heritability estimates in broad sense were high for days flowering to maturity, number of branches per plant and days to flowering, while low heritability estimates were observed for plant height, length of first fruiting node and fruit diameter. The genetic advance as percentage of mean was high for number of branches per plant and days flowering to maturity. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for days flowering to maturity and number of branches per plant indicating that they are governed by additive genes and could be effectively improved through selection.