Genetics of Some Characters in Okra [Abelmoschus Escu. Lentus (L.) Moench]

Significant genotypic differences were found for all the characters. Variances due to g.c.a. for all characters and s.c.a. variances except stem diameter, weight of fruit and yield per plant were significant for all the characters under study. Estimated component of variance σ_g² was higher than σ_s² for all characters except flowers per plant, seeds per fruit and yield per plant indicating the predominance of additive gene action in their inheritance. Similar results were confirmed by component analysis. Both components and graphic analysis showed over dominance for yield per plant, complete dominance for flowers per plant and partial dominance for first fruiting node, stem diameter and fruits per branch. Stem diameter, weight of fruit and flowers per plant were controlled by dominant genes. Epistatic interaction was also observed for stem diameter and seeds per fruit.