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 singlecross (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 branchesper plant, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant. Moderate GCV and PCV values were recorded for internodallength, fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight in both single and double cross F4 and F5 progenies which indicate existenceof wide range of genetic variability in the material evaluated. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observedfor number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant in both single and double cross F4 and F5progenies indicating additive gene action in the control of expression of these characters. From the experimental results it wasfound that the amount of variability was more in double cross derived progenies as compared to single cross derived progeniesfor most of the characters studied.