Performance studies on different okra varieties and hybrids under arid climatic conditions of Rajasthan

Abstract

An experiment entitled “Performance and genetic variability studies in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)” was carried out during August 2019 to November 2019 at the Research farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur (Rajasthan). The experiment comprised of 12 varieties and hybrids of okra viz. ‘P-8’, ‘Pusa Bhindi-5’, ‘Samrat F₁ Hybrid’, ‘Punjab Suhawani’, ‘Arka Nikita’, ‘Shakshi F₁ Hybrid’, ‘Palam Komal’, ‘Kashi Kranti’, ‘Shakti F₁ Hybrid’, ‘Arka Anamika’, ‘Kashi Pragati’ and ‘Laxmi F₁ Hybrid’ and was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Significant differences were found amongst the varieties and hybrids of okra for the studied characters. The ‘Arka Anamika’ recorded the maximum number of branches per plant (2.80), stem diameter (17.10 mm), number of leaves per plant (69.06), number of fruit per plant (25.80), fruit yield per plant (319.78 g), fruit yield per plot (4.95 kg), estimated fruit yield per hectare (122.30 q). The ‘Palam Komal’ recorded the maximum plant height (139.73) and numbers of nodes on main stem (30.80). The ‘Laxmi F₁ Hybrid’ produced the largest leaves (156.86 cm²). The earliest first flower anthesis and 50% flowering and first picking were noted in ‘Kashi Pragati’ (38.67, 39.33 and 45.40 DAS, respectively). The ‘Pusa Bhindi-5’ recorded the maximum fruit length (12.36 cm). The ‘Samrat F₁ Hybrid’ recorded the maximum fruit diameter (16.02 mm) and fruit weight (12.99 g). The maximum shelf life of fruit was recorded in ‘Kashi Kranti’ (4.47 Days). Five ridges per fruit were exhibited in all the okra varieties and hybrids. From the present investigation it can be concluded that okra variety ‘Arka Anamika’ performed best for various growth and yield traits under arid climatic conditions of Rajasthan.