Estimation of combining ability and gene action for yield and its contributing traits in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

The estimates of o² gca/o² sca indicated predominance of non-additive gene action for most of the characters during both the years. EC169400 and IC117351 were identified as consistent best general combiner for fruit yield and other components. Over the both years consistently, cross combinations viz, IC117245 * VRO 6 for fruit yield per plant, IC117245 * VRO 6, IC117351 * Arka Anamika and EC16400 * Arka Anamika for number of fruits per plant, EC169430 * Parbhani Kranti and EC169408 * Arka Anamika for plant height, EC169435 * Parbhani Kranti for 100 seed weight, IC093655 * Arka Anamika for number of seeds per fruit, EC169430 * Parbhani Kranti for primary branches per plant, IC093655 * Parbhani Kranti for inter-nodal length, EC169435 * Arka Anamika for fruit length showed specific combining ability effects of higher order. These crosses have been identified as best hybrids for improving fruit yield per plant and could be further evaluated to confirm their stable superior performance.