Selection and Genetic Variation in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Genotypes in a Rainforest Agroecology

Okra is a very essential crop, particularly for culinary purpose and as a source of bioactive metabolites of medical significance. However, genotypic influence and environmental factors affect the production and accessibility of okra. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate genetic variation in okra and determine its effect on growth and yield characteristics of okra genotypes in a rainforest agroecology. The field experiment was carried out at the Organic Farm of Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria. Ten okra varieties were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Data were collected on growth and yield components and subjected to correlation and Principal Component Analyses (PCA) to determine the extent of genetic variation and relevance for selection indices. The results revealed that N42/F5/32 had the highest height (56.67 cm), HNIKU had the highest number of leaves (12.00), NHAC 47-4 expressed highest pod weight/fruit (6.17 g) while N42/ F5/32 recorded the highest fruit yield/hectare. Plant height, pod weight/fruit and 100-seed weight expressed strong positive correlation among the parameters studied, and they positively correlated with fruit yield per hectare. The PCA revealed maximum genetic diversity among okra genotypes; PC-1, PC-2, PC-3 and PC-4 had eigenvalues more than 1 with variability scores of 3.00, 1.27, 1.18 and 1.01, respectively. Overall, variety N42/F5/32 expressed superior okra yield and should be selected for farmers in rainforest agroecology or similar environment.