Heterosis and inbreeding depression in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Forty-five hybrids of okra derived from 10 x 10 diallel crosses excluding reciprocals were studied in F(1) and F(2) generations for heterosis and inbreeding depression for fruit yield and yield components. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among parents, F(1)'s and F(2)'s for most of the characters indicating considerable amount of genetic variability present in the material studied. High magnitude of heterotic effect was detected for fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, 10-fruits weight and internodal length. The cross combination AOL-99-24 x Ajeet-121 expressed the highest heterobeltiosis alongwith high magnitude of inbreeding depression for fruit yield per plant, which will be suitable for exploitation of hybrid vigour for commercial purpose. Another three crosses viz., JOL-1 x HRB-55, JOL-1 x VRO-6 and GO-2 x HRB-107- 4 exhibited high heterobeltiosis with high inbreeding depression for fruit yield per plant. So, these crosses could also be utilized to exploit hybrid vigour and also to bring an improvement through hybridization programme.