Line × tester analysis of combining-ability and heterosis for some economic characters in okra

In okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moensch), heterosis over the mid-parental values was manifested in all the characters studied. However, overdominance was observed only for days to first flowering, fruit length, plant height, fruit weight and yield per plant. Among the testers, ‘Pusa Sawani’ was found to be the best general combiner for yield and most other characters, whereas ‘Pusa Sawani’ (Bangalore lot-NSC) and ‘Crimson Spineless’ were observed to be high general combiners for yield and other desirable attributes amongst the females. Gene action based on the general and specific combining ability variances for various characters was found to be mainly non-additive.‘Pusa Sawani’ (Bangalore lot-NSC) × ‘Smooth Long Green’ was found to be a good cross combination for number of fruits per plant and fruit yield. Another good combination for plant height and fruit yield was ‘American Seven Dhari’ × ‘Pusa Sawani’.