Characterization of Okra Genotypes for Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus Resistance and Yield-Related Traits

Abstract

Yellow vein mosaic disease (YVMD) is a major constraint to okra production, necessitating the identification of genotypes combining disease resistance with desirable yield attributes. The present study evaluated seven genetically diverse okra genotypes (G1–G7) for YVMD response and yield-related performance under artificial whitefly-mediated inoculation during 2026. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Six yield-related traits, including days to first flowering, plant height, primary branches plant⁻¹, fruits plant⁻¹, average fruit weight, and fruit yield, were evaluated along with disease incidence and severity. Significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed among genotypes for all traits. Days to first flowering ranged from 46.0 days (G1) to 57.0 days (G6), while plant height varied from 119.33 to 152.33 cm. G6 recorded the highest number of primary branches (6.90 plant⁻¹), fruits (36.33 plant⁻¹), average fruit weight (19.93 g), and fruit yield (11.85 kg plot⁻¹). In contrast, G1 had the lowest disease incidence (18.33%) and severity (1.20), whereas G6 exhibited the highest disease incidence (84.00%) and severity (4.60). G2 and G3 showed comparatively lower disease incidence (25.33 and 32.33%, respectively) while maintaining relatively good fruit yield (9.29 and 9.98 kg plot⁻¹). Correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between fruits plant⁻¹ and fruit yield (r = 0.64*), while disease incidence and severity were strongly correlated (r = 0.76). Overall, G1 was identified as the most promising genotype for YVMD tolerance, whereas G2 and G3 showed potential for combining relatively lower disease response with improved productivity. The findings provide useful phenotypic selection criteria and contrasting genetic material for breeding okra cultivars with improved YVMD resistance.