Genetic variability studies in single and double cross advanced generation segregating progenies of Bhendi [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)Moench]

An investigation was carried out to study the genetic variability, in fruit yield per plant and its component traits in four single cross (BH10,BH11,BH12 and BH 13) and three double cross (BH14,BH15 and BH16) F4 and F5 progenies of bhendi at ARS, Hanumanamatti during summer and kharif 2008. The results indicate that, high GCV and PCV values for number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant. Moderate GCV and PCV values were recorded for intermodal length, fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight in both single and double cross F4 and F5 progenies which indicate existence of wide range of genetic variability in the material evaluated. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant in both single and double cross F4 and F5 progenies indicating additive gene action in the control of expression of these characters. From the experimental results it was found that the amount of variability was more in double cross derived progenies as compared to single cross derived progenies for most of the characters studied.