Heterosis, Combining Ability and Stability Analysis in Okra

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is one of the most important vegetable crop grown extensively throughout the country during summer and rainy seasons. Major problems of okra are lack of location specific high yielding varieties, tolerant or resistant to diseases, pest and abiotic stresses. An important challenge would be to develop a variety/hybrid which respond well to resources and is also resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus. To exploit the heterosis of potential yield components, knowledge of genetic architecture of pod yield and its attributes is important in crop improvement and okra is one vegetable crop where heterosis has been exploited successfully. Hence, for improving the genetic yield potential of the varieties and hybrids, choice of right type of parents for hybridization is important. Thus, knowledge of Genotype × Environmental interaction helps the breeder to select high yielding and most adaptable varieties or hybrids. Considering the importance of the crop and in view of facts, the research was conducted with different objectives through a set of diallel crosses involving parent and excluding reciprocals.