Generation mean analysis of some economic traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

In order to determine the mode of gene action involved in some okra economic traits, three different crosses as started genetic materials were used for this purpose applying generation mean analysis. Significant differences for all studied traits for six populations P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 within each cross were found indicating the existence of genetic variation and possibility of selection for these traits. Insignificant negative or positive heterosis and inbreeding depression were registered in most crosses for all studied traits except in plant height. Additive-dominance model was adequate to demonstrate the genetic variation and it is important in the inheritance for weight of 100 seeds, fruit diameter, fruit length and total yield per plant traits. While, non-allelic interactions were found in the other traits for most crosses. The dominance × dominance effects were greater than additivexadditive and additivexdominance, when non-additive portion is larger than additive in most cases which recorded non-allelic interaction. Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation (PCV) was higher than Genotypic Coefficients of Variation (GCV) for all traits indicating sensitivity of studied traits to the environmental conditions. GCV, PCV, heritability and expected Genetic advance GA% of mean in most crosses were found high or moderately high. As most studied traits are influenced by additive model and others showed non-allelic gene interaction, it is suggested that pedigree phenotypic selection method is a useful breeding program for improving these traits. © 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information.