Diallel approach for estimating hybrid superiority and combining ability of indigenous advanced breeding lines in okra [Abelmoschusesculentus (L.)]

The presence of variability in phenotypic traits is of less significance in vegetable breeding including okra. Meanwhile, the development of hybrids offers an opportunity to enhance productivity and introduce desired characteristics through variation. A diallel analysis was conducted on five advanced breeding lines (Parents-F-8) during Rabi [monsoon] 2020, to assess the combining ability and ascertain the magnitude of heterosis for yield and its attributes. The seeds of parents (P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5), 20 hybrids and a commercial check were sown in Kharif [winter] 2021 for evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the extent of heterosis, general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA). The results illustrated that parent 1 (P1) and parent 3 (P3) were better combiners for key yield characters, while crosses P1 x P2, P2 x P3, P4 x P3, P3 x P1, P3 x P2, P4 x P1, P1 x P4 and P5 x P2 exhibited as desirable specific combiners for yield attributes. The combining ability outcomes disclosed that GCA variances remained lesser than SCA, indicating non-additive gene action. The cross combinations with better heterosis over standard cultivars can be tested for superior and stable performance across different environments. In addition, the study highlights the importance of considering diverse parents and their gene effects in hybrid development.