Combining Ability and Gene Action Studies in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

The combining ability and gene action were estimated for ten female and three male parents by using line x tester analysis. ec-329424 was good general combiner for maximum number of traits viz., inter-nodal length, fruit diameter, fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, nodes per plant and plant height followed LB local, which showed significant gca effects for inter-nodal length, fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, average fruit weight and nodes per plant. IC-128099 x Varsha Uphar was the most promising combination exhibiting significant and desirable sca effects for maximum number of characters viz., inter-nodal length, fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant and nodes per plant, which involved low x low combiners. Higher magnitude of sca variances for node at which first flower appears, inter-nodal length, fruit yield per plant, average fruit weight and nodes per plant, suggest the importance of heterosis breeding to improve the yield and associated characters.