Genetic variability, heritability, and cluster analysis of yield-related traits in okra

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to assess genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, and
genetic divergence among twenty-two okra genotypes evaluated under field conditions during kharif 2024-25.
The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications, and data were recorded
for ten yield and yield-contributing traits. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among
genotypes for all characters, indicating the presence of ample genetic variability. Estimates of genotypic and
phenotypic coefficients of variation were high for fruit yield, number of fruits, and number of branches per plant.
High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of mean was observed for fruit yield per
plant, number of fruits per plant, and plant height, suggesting the predominance of additive gene action and
effectiveness of direct selection. Multivariate analysis grouped the genotypes into four distinct clusters, with
maximum inter-cluster distance observed between clusters III and IV, indicating substantial genetic divergence.
Fruit yield per plant contributed the highest proportion to total genetic divergence. Correlation and regression
analyses revealed strong positive associations of fruit yield with number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, and
fruit length. The identified divergent and superior clusters may be effectively utilized in future hybridization
programs to develop high-yielding okra cultivars.