Skip to content
Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Advances in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Breeding: Integrating Genomics for Enhanced Crop Improvement

Anupam Singh, Manoj Kumar Pandey

Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology · pp. 397–407 · Published 13 Apr 2024

10.9734/jabb/2024/v27i5799

Abstract

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) holds significant importance as a vegetable crop, thriving in tropical and subtropical regions globally, especially in the warmer areas of temperate zones. Traditional breeding approaches tailored for self-pollinated crops have been utilized to enhance the genetic diversity of okra. These methods encompass various techniques such as plant introduction, pure line selection, hybridization combined with selection, mutation breeding, and heterosis breeding. Particularly in countries like India, pedigree selection and heterosis breeding have led to the development of numerous okra varieties and hybrids, significantly impacting local agricultural practices. Contemporary okra breeding focuses on traits crucial for optimal performance, including high yield potential, resistance to prevalent diseases like Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV) and Okra Enation Leaf Curl Virus (OELCV), tolerance to sucking pests and borers, ease of harvest, deep green fruit coloration, and desirable plant architecture. Public sector institutions have played a pivotal role in introducing and disseminating improved okra varieties and hybrids, with more than 33 cultivars introduced in recent decades. Some of these varieties have demonstrated substantial improvements in okra production across India. This review offers an overview of the current state of okra breeding, encompassing genetic resources, cytogenetic relationships, breeding goals, varietal development processes, efforts in resistance breeding, biotechnological interventions, and future improvement strategies. By consolidating existing knowledge and highlighting ongoing research initiatives, this article aims to provide guidance and inspiration for further advancements in okra breeding and genomics, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and productivity of this essential vegetable crop.

Hybridization cytogenetic resistance genomics mutation heterosis breeding

References (42)

  1. 1 Enhancing the rate of genetic gain in public-sector plant breeding programs: lessons from the breeder’s equation [DOI]
  2. 2 Enhancing genetic gain in the era of molecular breeding [DOI]
  3. 3 5Gs for crop genetic improvement [DOI]
  4. 4 Application of the CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing technique in basic research, diagnosis, and therapy of cancer [DOI]
  5. 5 Various Aspects of a Gene Editing System—CRISPR–Cas9 [DOI]
  6. 6 Harnessing Diversity in Wheat to Enhance Grain Yield, Climate Resilience, Disease and Insect Pest Resistance and Nutrition Through Conventional and Modern Breeding Approaches [DOI]
  7. 7 Nutritional Quality and Health Benefits of “Okra” (Abelmoschus esculentus): A Review [DOI]
  8. 8 Connecting genome structural variation with complex traits in crop plants [DOI]
  9. 9 Modern plant biotechnology as a strategy in addressing climate change and attaining food security [DOI]
  10. 10 The Role of Vegetable Genetic Resources in Nutrition Security and Vegetable Breeding [DOI]
  11. 11 Advances in Metabolomics-Driven Diagnostic Breeding and Crop Improvement [DOI]
  12. 12 Advances in genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches to study biotic stress in fruit crops [DOI]
  13. 13 Achievements and Challenges of Genomics-Assisted Breeding in Forest Trees: From Marker-Assisted Selection to Genome Editing [DOI]
  14. 14 Phenotypic and genotypic divergence in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] and implications for drought tolerance breeding: A review [DOI]
  15. 15 Mutation Breeding for Sustainable Food Production and Climate Resilience [DOI]
  16. 16 New breeding technique “genome editing” for crop improvement: applications, potentials and challenges [DOI]
  17. 17 Wheat omics: Classical breeding to new breeding technologies [DOI]
  18. 18 Revamping of Cotton Breeding Programs for Efficient Use of Genetic Resources under Changing Climate [DOI]
  19. 19 Analysis of Heterosis and Heterobeltiosis for Earliness, Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) [DOI]
  20. 20 Optimization of gamma radiation dose for induction of mutations in okra [DOI]
  21. 21 Yellow Vein Mosaic Disease in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.): An Overview on Causal Agent, Vector and Management [DOI]
  22. 22 Analysis of Heterotic Potential for Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) [DOI]
  23. 23 Okra: Breeding and Genomics [DOI]
  24. 24 Breeding Strategies for Yield Gains in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) [DOI]
  25. 25 Analysis of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for growth and yield attributes in green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) [DOI]
  26. 26 Analysis of heterotic potential for yield and its attributing traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) [DOI]
  27. 27 Assessing Genetic Variability in Taramira (Eruca sativa Mill.) Germplasm for Enhanced Breeding Strategies [DOI]
  28. 28 Accelerated Breeding in Okra [DOI]
  29. 29 Inheritance pattern of okra enation leaf curl disease among cultivated species and its relationship with biochemical parameters [DOI]
  30. 30 Exploring Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) for Crop Improvement [DOI]
  31. 31 Non-Chemical Approaches for the Management of Insect Pests in Agri-Horti Crops and Storage [DOI]
  32. 32 Mutation Breeding in Tropical Root and Tuber Crops [DOI]
  33. 33 Abiotic stress enhancement tools for improving crop tolerance [DOI]
  34. 34 Trend of horticultural research particularly vegetables in India and its regional prospects.
  35. 35 Pollination and Ecological Intensification: A Way Towards Green Revolution [DOI]
  36. 36 Evaluation of Effect of Different Nitrogen Sources on Major Insect Pests Infesting Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. under Semi Arid Region of Rajasthan, India [DOI]
  37. 37 Analysis of Heterotic Potential for Earliness, Yield and its Attributing Traits in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) [DOI]
  38. 38 International Journal of Molecular Sciences [DOI]
  39. 39 International Journal of Environment and Climate Change [DOI]
  40. 40 International Journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management [DOI]
  41. 41 Analysis of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Yield Associated Traits in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) [DOI]
  42. 42 Scoping study on fruits and vegetables : Results from Bangladesh [DOI]

Cited by 8

Agronomic practices for climate-resilient okra production in agroecological systems: a review

S. Ndungu, Lokeshwar Kesamreddy, Mat Ayenan · Frontiers in Agronomy · 2026

Deployment of Heterosis Potential for Improvement of Okra Genotypes

Balagoni Maruthi, Sibsankar Das, Arup Chattopadhayay · Indian Journal of Agricultural Research · 2025

Showing 4 of 8 known citations — external sources report more than can currently be individually listed.

Article metrics

Real usage data collected on this platform.

55

Page views

0

PDF downloads

12

Outbound clicks

8

Citations

Views over time

Views by country

Approximate, from request IP at view time — not citizenship or institution. Countries with fewer than 5 views are grouped as "Other".

Traffic sources

Referring site, by host.

Views and downloads exclude known bots/crawlers. Citations combines this platform's own DOI-resolved index with each external source's own reported total — see Cited by above for individually listed citing works. Last refreshed 0 seconds ago.