Genetic variability and character association in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) under sub-tropical regions of Himachal Pradesh

This study assessed genetic variability, heritability, correlation and path analysis in thirty-two okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) genotypes under sub-tropical conditions of Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India during the Kharif seasons of 2022–23 and 2023–24. Significant genetic diversity was observed across all traits with genotypes LC-65, LC-51 and LC-28 exhibiting superior yield performance. High phenotypic and genotypic variability was recorded for fruit yield per plot, fruit yield per plant, internodal length and number of fruits per plant, indicating strong potential for selection. Traits such as fruit yield per plant, number of seeds per pod, plant height, 100-seed weight, fruit weight, fruit girth and fruit length showed high heritability coupled with substantial genetic advance, suggesting additive gene effects and ease of improvement through direct selection. Correlation analysis revealed that fruit yield per plot was positively associated with fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, plant height, fruit weight, fruit length, internodal length, fruit girth, number of seeds per pod and 100-seed weight, while negative associations were observed with plant height at first flowering node and days to 50% flowering. Path coefficient analysis identified number of fruits per plant and fruit weight as the most influential contributors to yield, supported by moderate positive effects of plant height, seed traits and internodal length. These findings highlight promising genotypes and heritable traits that can be prioritized in breeding programs to enhance productivity and selection efficiency in okra.