Study of Genotypic and Phenotypic Correlation for Some Agro-Economic Traits in Okra (Abelmoschus esculents (L.) Moench)

The aim of this study was to study the genotypic and phenotypic correlation in okra (Abelmoschus esculents) for eight traits, using 36 genotypes (6 parents, 15F1 and 15F2). The genotypic and phenotypic correlations values for most pairs of characters were more or less similar. Days to flowering showed negative and significant association with plant height, number of branches/plant, number of fruits/plant and total green fruit yield (ton/feddan) for parents, F1 and F2 populations. Positive correlation was observed between plant height and number of branches/plant for all populations. Number of branches/plant was positively correlated with each of number of fruit/plant, fruit diameter and total fruit yield (ton/feddan) for parents, F1 and F2 populations. Selection for this trait is seen as the most effective methods for improving yield. Significant and positive correlated was observed between number of fruit/plant and total green fruit yield (ton/feddan). Thus, the total green fruit yield in okra can be improved by selecting for number of fruits/plants. Fruit length showed positive with fruit weight for parents. Positive and significant correlation was observed between fruit diameter and total green fruit yield (ton/feddan) for all populations. Fruit weight showed negative associations with total green fruit yield (ton/feddan) for all populations. Total green fruit yield (ton/feddan) positively correlated with each of fruit diameter, number of branches/plant and number of fruit/plant for all populations (parents, F1 and F2). Such results suggested that total green fruit yield (ton/feddan) can be improved by increasing fruit diameter, number of branches/plant and number of fruit/plant through selection program.