Correlation and path analysis studies in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

The present study was undertaken on 49 genotypes including 7 and 42 crosses of okra to determine nature of association among different yield attributes and their direct and indirect contribution towards yield. The fruit yield has significantly positive correlation with plant height, number of branches per plant, inter nodal length, fruit length, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, marketable yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic level, indicating mutual association of these traits. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of fruits per plant had maximum direct contribution (0.434) towards total yield followed by fruit weight (0.083), days to 50 per cent flowering (0.041) plant height (0.014), number of branches per plant (0.019). However, days to first flowering exhibited highest negative direct effect (−0.016) followed by inter nodal length (−0.006) and fruit length (−0.001). These important traits may be viewed in selection programme for the further improvement of okra.