Generation mean analysis in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) for yield and yield contributing characters

The nature and magnitude of gene action was analyzed by six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) through six crosses. The results indicated that the magnitude and type of gene effects differed for the same characters in different cross combinations. The mean effect was significant and positive in all six crosses in magnitude as compared to additive and dominance effects, however the magnitude of dominance (h) gene effects was much higher than the additive (d) effects in all the crosses for majority of the traits. Among the non-allelic interactions, additive x additive (i), additive x dominance (j) and dominance x dominance (l) component were found significant. The opposite sign of domiance (h) and dominance x dominance interaction (l) showed that some characters are observed by duplicate type of epistasis and some characters are observed complementary type of epistasis.