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image of Gene Effects and Heterosis to Enhance Yield-related Traits in Okra

Abstract

Background

Genetic analysis of key agronomic traits in okra is essential for enhancing yield and quality. This study evaluated heterosis, inbreeding depression, combining ability, and gene action in 16 morpho-agronomical traits.

Methods

Mid- and better-parent heterosis, inbreeding depression, and combining ability (general and specific) were assessed. Additive-to-dominance ratios, scaling tests, and epistasis analysis were used to determine gene effects and interactions.

Results

Significant heterosis was recorded for yield-related traits, especially for stem height (MPH: 43.57%, BPH: 11.08%) and pod weight (MPH: 59.9%, BPH: 27.15%), indicating strong hybrid vigor. High inbreeding depression was observed in pod weight (52.99%), internodal length (51.13%), and number of nodes (34.88%), suggesting non-additive gene effects. Combining ability analysis revealed additive gene action for internodal length (IŸ2GCA/IŸ2SCA = 1.2), whereas dominance effects played a significant role in determining seed number (0.03) and pod length (0.48). The duplicate epistasis in most traits revealed the complexity of genetic inheritance in okra.

Discussion

The high heterosis and inbreeding depression, coupled with the prevalence of non-additive gene action and duplicate epistasis for major yield components, demonstrate the genetic complexity of these traits in okra. This highlights the significant role of hybrid vigor exploitation for yield improvement, while also suggesting challenges for direct selection in early generations due to the dominant genetic effects involved.

Conclusion

The findings clarify the genetic control of important okra traits, showing that both additive and non-additive gene effects influence yield and quality. Significant heterosis and combining ability results identify promising parents and hybrids for improving okra through selective breeding.

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2025-12-30
2026-02-27

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/content/journals/rafna/10.2174/012772574X410570251126172121
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Gene Effects and Heterosis to Enhance Yield-related Traits in Okra
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/012772574X410570251126172121
/content/journals/rafna/10.2174/012772574X410570251126172121
/content/journals/rafna/10.2174/012772574X410570251126172121
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: Inbreeding depression ; Okra ; Specific combining ability (SCA) ; Epistatic effects ; general combining ability (GCA) ; Heterosis

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