Assessment of morphological variation among Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus L. (moench)] accessions to aid selection of ideal parents

Abstract

A total of ten Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench)] accessions were evaluated over 2 years to determine the genetic diversity present in the germplasm accessions so that parents could be chosen for use in hybridization. Observations on days to flowering, number of branches and pods per plant, height at flowering, final plant height, pod length, pod width, and pod yield were recorded. There was a large degree of variability among genotypes for all traits and the metroglyph analysis classified the genotypes into 6 groups based on morphological differences. Genotype NHGB/09/008(B) had the highest total index. Groups II and V had the largest within group variation indicating that within group improvement was possible. Hybridization between Group III and Groups II and VI could yield desirable hybrids useful in Okra breeding program.