Combining ability and exploitation of heterotic potential of Okra under the Central Indian Plains

Abstract

This study quantified heterosis and partitioned general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability for earliness, yield, plant architecture, and quality traits in Okra to identify superior parents and hybrids for breeding. Fifteen diverse parents (10 lines, 5 testers) were crossed in a Line × Tester design to generate 50 F₁s, with Arka Anamika as the standard check. Crosses were produced in kharif, 2024 and evaluated in summer, 2025 at AKS University, Satna, India, using an RCBD with three replications. ANOVA revealed highly significant differences among genotypes, parents, crosses, and Line × Tester interactions for all traits, evidencing ample genetic variability and the joint action of additive and non-additive effects. Parbhani Kranti and Ankur 40 emerged as strong general combiners for yield and quality, and Akola 2 for earliness/plant stature; high SCA was observed in Parbhani Kranti × PDKV Pragati, Parbhani Kranti × Akola 2, and Ankur 40 × Akola Bahar for yield components, with desirable negative heterosis for earliness in IC 42451 × Akola Bahar and Ankur 40 × Akola Bahar. The best-yielding cross, Parbhani Kranti × PDKV Pragati, exhibited 10.91 % better-parent and 9.40% standard heterosis. These parents and hybrids constitute actionable candidates for developing early, high-yield, and nutritionally enhanced Okra, warranting multi-location validation for stability and deployment.