Genetic Divergence Studies for Yield and Quality Traits in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.)

The objective of the study was to evaluate genetic divergence among okra genotypes based on yield and yield contributing traits. The experiment comprised of 32 genotypes of okra, which were sown in Randomized Block Design with two replications at College of Horticulture, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the period Kharif, 2016. Analysis of variance indicated existence of large variability among the genotypes for all the traits. On the basis of D2 analysis, the 32 genotypes could be grouped into 6 clusters. Cluster I had the highest number of genotypes (15) followed cluster II (11) and cluster III and cluster V (2 genotypes in each group) and remaining clusters, i.e., IV and VI were mono genotypic. Plant height had the highest contribution towards the total genetic divergence (42.94 %) followed by overall YVMV PDI percent (16.73 ). The highest intra-cluster distances were recorded in cluster II (73.17) followed by cluster V (66.30). The maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between cluster III and cluster IV (775.06) followed by cluster IV and cluster VI (723.37). The genotypes which were in the cluster II, III and VI also exhibited significant performance for fruit yield per plant. Based on per se performance and genetic investigation methods superior genotypes RHBG-1, RHBG-7, VRO-6, IC-42490, IC-10265, IC-111515, Arka Abhay, Pusa A-4, IC-29119, RHBG-12, IC-90219. The identified genotypes are promising for hybrid breeding as parents for yileld and YVMV resistance.IC-04328 and EC-755647 were identified for yield and yield attributing traits and YVMV resistance in okra. The identified genotypes are promising for hybrid breeding as parents for yileld and YVMV resistance.