Variation in agronomic characteristics of five okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench genotypes

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the differences existing among five okra genotypes for agronomic characteristics and yield. The  genotypes were three established national varieties viz. V35, LD 88/1-8 and 47-4 together with two breeding lines 53-139 and 4-30, from  the breeding lines programme of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Each genotype was sown in a 3m long  single row plot with 45cm between plants within the row separated 1m apart. Flowers on six competitive plants of each genotype were  tagged on opening and pods harvested separately at the edible stage six days later. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance  (ANOVA) as for a completely randomised design, the six plants per entry representing six replicates. Flowering period ranged from 20  days in V35 to 28 days in 47-4 and 53-139, 47-4 and 4-30 recorded the highest heights both at flowering and maturity. Average number of harvested fruits per plant ranged from 8 fruits in V35 to 19 fruits in 4-30, fruit yield weight per plant ranged from 15.7g in LD 88/1-8 to  20.7g in 4-30. V35 had the least fresh and dry weight: 319g/m² and 34.3g/m² while 4-30 had the highest 884g/m² and 67.9g/m² . The  breeding line 4-30 recorded high similarity with established variety 47-4 in most of the measured agronomic traits except for different  pod colour The estimates of coefficient of variation shows V35 and LD 88/1- 8 both established varieties recording highest coefficients  confirming contaminations over time while the advanced breeding lines i.e. 4-30 and 53-139 had coefficients indicating greater uniformity  within the genotypes. Despite the unknown pedigree of these established varieties, this study result suggested sufficient  distinction and justify they can be used to estimate heritability values and used for more okra improvement programmes.