Genetic analysis in Bhendi [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Bhendi [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is a short duration vegetable crop that could fit well in any cropping system. Karaikal located along the East Coast at the tail end of river Cauvery is suitable for cultivation of this nutritionally and commercially important vegetable crop. As identification of any high yielding genotypes depends on the extent of variability present in the germplasm and the extent of genetic gain expected out of selection for most desired traits, a study was conducted with forty genotypes of bhendi to assess the extent of variability, heritability and genetic gain, besides studying the nature and extent of correlation of important yield determinants on yield of bhendi. The presence of wide variation along with high heritability and genetic gain indicated the predominance of additive gene action for fruit length, fruit weight, number of fruits plant⁻¹ and fruit yield plant⁻¹. Correlation and path coefficient analysis revealed the importance of number of fruits plant⁻¹ and fruit weight as important yield determinants in bhendi.