Genetic Divergence for Different Yield Attributing Traits in Okra [Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench] Genotypes Grown in Himalayan Foothills Region

The Himalayan foothills region of India is rich in the genetic diversity of okra, which is yet to be explored for its genetic divergence. To envisage the genetic diversity of this un-explored varietal collection, the genetic divergence among ۲۵ genotypes of okra was estimated using Mahalanobis D۲ statistic. The indigenous and exotic lines were grouped into ۶ clusters using Tocher’s methods. Results revealed that a higher number of genotypes were recorded under cluster I (۱۹) and cluster IV (۲), while cluster II, III, V and VI were mono-genotypic. A higher intra- cluster distance was observed between clusters I (۱۳.۴۲) and IV (۷.۴۷), whereas, a higher inter-cluster distance was found between clusters III and VI (۱۱۱.۰۳). The traits viz, Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV) incidence (۴۴.۶۷ %) were contributing the highest towards the total genetic divergence. The present study revealed the detailed genetic divergence for different yield-attributing traits in okra. This study presents a strong basis for the selection and evolving of better recombinants for hybridization and quality improvement programme. This research bear utility in the form of germplasm conservation and crop improvement for selected indigenous/exotic genotypes grown in Himalayan foothills.

Keywords:

Cluster and recombinants , Himalayan foothill genotypes , Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus.