Phenotypic Variability of The F2 Populations Derived from Crosses Between Local and Introduced Okra Cultivars

Abstract

Okra (Abelmoschus esculenthus) is a vegetable plant consumed in immature and tender texture fruits. Crosses of local okra with introduced varieties are carried out to improve the character of the local cultivars. This study aimed to assess the variability of agronomic characters, both quantitative and qualitative characters of various families of the F2 populations and select superior families that can be used to produce new cultivars. The F2 population was derived from inbreeding and selection of the crosses between local okra cultivars with B291 and Ve022 as introduced cultivars. The study used an experimental method with an individual observation. Qualitative characters were described based on the descriptor by IBPGR, while quantitative characters were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed variation in each F2 family in plant height, the number of flowers per plant and the number of fruits per plant, except for SOMB291-16. FOHVE022-8, FOHB291-15, FOHVE022-17, SOMB291-23 and SOMB291-24 families could be selected due to the extended picking time were in line with the increase of fruit quality. A broad variability of quantitative characters was found for all characters, indicating a high opportunity to obtain valuable traits and desirable segregants in F2 populations. Variations in qualitative characters were found in stem color, leaf shape, fruit color and fruit shape. The selection of plants with specific characters could be maintained with inbreeding or self-pollinated desirable segregants.

Agronomic performance and phenotypic variability of the F2 population derived from various types of okra varieties

“…The difference in the optimum harvest time determines the quality of okra fruit. The longer the optimum harvest time, the greater the weight and size of the fruit [20]. However, when the fruit is harvested exceeding the optimum harvest time, the quality of the fruit decreases.…”

Phenotypic Variability of The S2 Families Derived from Crosses Between Local and Introduced Okra Cultivars

“…It is consumed when the pod is immature and tender. As a functional food crop, okra fruit has many benefits for human health because it contains many nutritional substances and medicinal value [1]. Fresh okra pods contain 175.2 mg of minerals, 2.1 g of protein, 0.2 g of lipid, 1.7 g of fibre, 8 g of carbohydrates, 36 calories and 88 ml of water per 100 g of okra [2].…”

“…Ve-022 and B291 that have tender fruit up to nine DAA [7]. The F1 population revealed an increase in the picking period of up to eight DAA [1]. The F2 population showed improved picking time traits, revealing that 67.0% and 14.4% of the population have tender fruit textures up to eight and nine DAA, respectively [8].…”