Heterosis and combining ability in a diallel cross of okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> (L.) Moench)

Abstract

A diallel analysis on 8 pure lines of Abelmoschus esculentus was done at 3 sites in Cameroon (Dibang, Yaoundé and Yagoua) in a randomized complete block design, with 3 replications, to estimate both the heterosis and the combining ability. The heterosis over mid-parent and the combining abilities were significant for all the studied traits. Reciprocal effects were observed for all traits, except for the 50 % flowering day. The best results of heterosis, over mid-parent, were recorded by combination 1 x 2 for seeds number per pod parameter (54.78 %). These parameters are supposed to improve the characters in okra.

Key-words : Okra, heterosis, diallel analysis.