Phenotypic Characterisation of Nine Accessions of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.)

Abstract

This study assessed the phenotypic variability across nine accessions of okra (NGB00350, NGB00303, NGB00396, NGB00322, NGB00356, NGB00326, NGB00345, NGB00463, and NGB00335) obtained from the National Center for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB). Seeds of the nine accessions were planted in each of the 4 kg bagged soil arranged in complete randomised design in three replications at the open field of the experimental plot of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Data were collected weekly on the resistance of the plant to insect infestation, qualitative, and quantitative characters. Data gathered were subjected to ANOVA α0.05. Accession NGB00335 recorded the most significant (p > 0.05) plant height (26.69 cm), stem height (20.33 cm), leaf width (6.26 cm), and number of leaves (5.50 cm). Across all the accessions, the colour of leaf, leaf blade, and fruit was green, while stem colour was light green. Colour between veins in NGB00303 and NGB00350 was green and light green in others. The yield was significantly higher in NGB00463 with the number of fruits per plant (0.21), fruit length (0.73 cm), and fruit diameter (0.85 cm). Accession NGB00335 and NGB00322 were the most resistant to pest infestation. Eigen proportion varies from 38% in Prin 1-5% in Prin 5. The quantitative characters except shoot height were significantly correlated with the qualitative characters (leaf colour, leaf blade colour, colour between veins, and stem colour). Accessions NGB00303, NGB00335, and NGB00463 have promising traits which could be further explored for crop improvement and future breeding programmes of okra. Thus, enhancing the conservation and adequate documentation of okra germplasm.