Genetics Studies on the Agromorphological Parameters of Some Ecotypes of Okra

Abstract

The nutrient-rich okra, Abelmoschus esculentus, plays an essential role in the nutritional balance of rural populations in Chad, whose diet is based on cereals. Okra is also of considerable economic importance to women. However, Doba growers use traditional varieties which do not meet their acceptance criteria, making it essential to create new cultivars. For this reason, it was necessary to identify local population varieties with important characteristics. To this end, 9 ecotypes with varied agromorphological characteristics were sown in the field using a Fisher block design with 3 replications. Analysis of variance showed that there was considerable variability between the ecotypes used for all the agromorphological parameters studied (p<0.05). The results of the principal component analysis showed that ecotypes 2 and 4, the number of leaves per plant and the number of fruits per plant were positively and significantly correlated with the F1 axis (34.49%). Ecotype 6 and the number of seeds per fruit were strongly correlated with the F2 axis (27.90%). The correlation coefficient showed that number of seeds per fruit and plant height (r = 0.61); number of fruits per plant and number of leaves per plant (r = 0.77); number of fruits per plant and fruit width (r = 0.57); can be improved simultaneously. The integration of these agromorphological characteristics into the genetic improvement program could combat food insecurity and promote financial autonomy for women in Doba.