Genetic Variability, Heritability and Expected Genetic Advance for Horticultural Yield and Biochemical Traits in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]

Abstract

Aims: To quantify genetic variability, broad-sense heritability and expected genetic gain for 20 horticultural, yield and biochemical traits in okra and to identify characters with greater potential for response to phenotypic selection. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in an Alpha Lattice Design with two replications at Vegetable Science Research Farm, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh (India), in Spring-summer and Rainy seasons of 2025. Trait-wise estimates of range, mean, genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), broad-sense heritability (h²bs), genetic advance (GA) and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) were evaluated for 20 characters. Genetic advance was interpreted at 5% selection intensity (k = 2.06). PCV exceeded GCV for every trait. The first fruiting node recorded the highest GCV (26.99%), PCV (29.33%) and GAM (51.17%). High GAM was also observed for number of branches per plant (35.22%), fibre content (30.29%), fruit yield per plant and per hectare (29.24%), total phenols (27.34%), inter-nodal length (26.98%) and number of fruits per plant (25.28%). Broad-sense heritability ranged from 50.72% for single fruit weight to 93.80% for protein content. High heritability together with high GAM was evident for first fruiting node, inter-nodal length, branches per plant, fruits per plant, both yield measures, total phenols and fibre content. The evaluated material contains useful heritable variation for earliness, plant architecture, fruit number, productivity and selected biochemical traits. These characters merit priority in selection, while confirmation across seasons or locations would strengthen breeding recommendations.