Assessment of genetic diversity and identification of early segregating lines in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during 2005–06 to 2006–07 to study the genetic diversity among popular single cross hybrids and selection of productive segrerants in the segregating generation of single and double cross F2 populations in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) at the Agricultural Research Station, Hanumanamatti. Thirteen hybrids with check were grouped into five divergent clusters. Maximum numbers of hybrid were congregated in cluster I and II. The highest intercluster dintance was observed between III and V. Based on genetic divergence and per se performance, two hybrids from cluster III (‘ BH 2’ and ‘BH 13’) and one hybrid each from IV (‘BH 12’) and V (‘BH 10’) were selected to produce three double cross hybrids ‘BH 2’בBH 10’, ‘BH 2’בBH 12’ and ‘BH 2’בBH 13’. These double cross hybrids along parental single cross were selfed to produce F2 populations. Higher frequency transgressive segregates were observed in double cross F2 that indicated the advantage of multiple cross. Selected superior segregation could be developed into pure lines by selfing and selections.