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It is necessary to determine how newly developed genotypes respond under field conditions. Variability in 45 genotypes of muskmelon [Cucumis melo L (Reticulatus group)] developed through random mating was assessed using principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and correlation based on 11 morpho-physiological traits under field conditions. Five principal components (PCs) out of 11 contributed 82.79% of the total variability. Genotypes were grouped into four clusters, with 14 genotypes in cluster 1, 26 in cluster 2, 3 in cluster 3, and 2 in cluster 4 based upon similarities and dissimilarities. Correlation indicated that yield/plant was positively correlated with number of lateral branches/plant, number of green leaves/plant, fruit weight, fruit/plant, and total number of leaves/plant. Membrane injury in leaves was significantly and positively correlated with number of lateral branches and number of fruit/plant. Number of green leaves/plant was positively correlated with total soluble solids (TSS) and yield/plant and may be able to be used as a morphological marker for selection of higher TSS and yield. Random mating is a useful technique to incorporate genes for high stress tolerance by developing new variability and new genotypes. The variability could be assessed using principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and correlation.

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Okra is one of the most important summer vegetables, which is vulnerable to biotic and abiotic factors, which adversely affect its germination, growth, and yield. So, this study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of different chemicals alone and in combination on crop performance from seed germination to seed production. For this purpose, seeds of okra cv. Sabz Pari were treated with different chemicals (Thiophanate, Potash, Zinc sulphate, Rodamine and Humic Acid in combinations) along with non-treated control. Results of the present study showed that seed treatments with T7 {Potash (0.5 g) + Humic Acid (0.25 g) + Zinc sulphate (0.08 g) + Rodamine (0.5 g) + Thiophanate (0.5 g) per kg of seeds} took the minimum time (3 days) to attain 50% emergence, while non-treated seeds took 6.5 days with an emergence percentage 90.8% and 70.5%, respectively. Moreover, this combination of seed treatment in T7 depicted the highest seedlings shoot length (10.8 cm), root length (5.3 cm), seedling fresh (1.01 g) and dry weight (0.148 g) and chlorophyll contents (28.6 SPAD units) as compared to control. In field, T7 significantly increased plant height (120.7 cm), pod length (15.8 cm) and number of seeds per pod (68.7) and 1000 seed weight (58.56 g). Therefore, this combination {(Potash (0.5 g/kg of seed) + Humic Acid (0.25 g/kg of seed) + Zinc sulphate (0.08 g/kg of seed) + Rodamine (0.5 g/kg of seed) + Thiophanate (0.5 g/kg of seed)} can be utilized for good quality seed production.