Combining ability studies in okra [Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.)

Combing ability analysis was carried out in 8 x 8 half diallels of okra from F₁ generations for green fruit yield and its components. The estimates of variance components due to general and specific combing ability indicated that both additive as well as non-additive gene effects played an important role in the expression of most of the characters. The ratio of additive to non-additive genetic variance signified the predominant role of non-additive gene action in the expression of all the characters in F₁ generation suggested that exploitation of hybrid vigor could be highly effective. The parents P-8 and Hisar Navin were the best general combiners as they exhibited gca effects in desirable direction for various characters. Phule Utkarsha x Arka Abhay, Hisar Navin x Arka Abhay, HRB-142 x Arka Abhay, Hisar Navin x HRB-142 and Pusa Sawani x Hisar Navin were the most promising hybrids from the overall performance.