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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Early Access

Okra landraces: A potential source of genetic diversity for yield and yellow vein mosaic virus resistance

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.11354
Submitted
20 August 2025
Published
02-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

This study evaluated genetic divergence among okra landraces to identify promising genotypes for yield improvement and disease resistance to yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV). The experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2023 at Annamalai University using a randomised block design (RBD) with 3 replications. Ten biometrical traits were recorded, including plant height (PH), number of internodes (NOI), internodal length (IL), days to first flowering (DFF), number of fruits per plant (NFP), fruit length (FL), fruit girth (FG), fruit weight (FW), fruit yield per plant (FYP) and YVMV incidence. Analysis of varaiance (ANOVA) indicated significant variation among genotypes for all measured traits, highlighting substantial genetic diversity. Mahalanobis D² analysis grouped the genotypes into six clusters. Cluster V exhibited superior performance with higher fruit yield, larger fruit girth and lower YVMV incidence. Inter-cluster distance analysis was highest between Clusters IV and V, suggesting that crosses between these clusters may produce superior recombinants. Key contributors to genetic divergence included FYP and NFP, both critical for yield-focused breeding. Cluster mean analysis highlighted clusters possessing superior yield and resistance traits. This analysis underlines the utility of genetic divergence studies for crop improvement, aiding in the selection of high-yielding, disease-resistant genotypes and supporting sustainable okra breeding initiatives.

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