Abstract
Six (6) genotypes comprising two (2) cultivars and four (4) breeding lines of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench) were studied in a randomized complete block design with three (3) replicates to determine their performance under Umudike environmental conditions in 2002 and 2003 cropping seasons. With respect to fresh pod yield, all the genotypes performed very well in both years, although the breeding lines performed better than the two (2) varieties. Breeding lines LD88/1-8-16-2 and LD88/1-8-13-2-4 recorded fresh pod yields of 3.6 and 3.2 t/ha in 2002, 3.5 and 3.3 t/ha in 2003 respectively, which are well above the fresh pod yields recorded for Okra in the tropics. The early maturing Okra genotypes used in the present study with 3 to 4 months duration present a possibility of growing two crops of Okra (early and late croppings) in one year, unlike the indigenous photoperiod sensitive varieties with eight to nine months duration. Keywords: Okra, cultivars, breeding lines, and Agronomic traitsGlobal Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 11-15
Highlights
Okra (Abelmorchus esculentus (L) Moench) belongs to the family, Malvaceae and is one of the most important vegetable crops cultivated in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, under rainfed or irrigation conditions (Libby, 1968; Agunloye, 1986)
Tindall (1983) and Fashakun (1980) reported that Okra contains moderate levels of some essential minerals and vitamins, which are important for metabolic processes that utilize carbohydrates, proteins and fats
Due to the short life cycle (3 to 4 months) of these genotypes, two seasons okra cropping in a year is highly feasible with the aid of irrigation during dry season
Summary
Okra (Abelmorchus esculentus (L) Moench) belongs to the family, Malvaceae and is one of the most important vegetable crops cultivated in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, under rainfed or irrigation conditions (Libby, 1968; Agunloye, 1986). Tindall (1983) and Fashakun (1980) reported that Okra contains moderate levels of some essential minerals and vitamins, which are important for metabolic processes that utilize carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Okra seeds contain 2% protein, 14% lipids and 5% ash. Upon removal of the seedhull by grinding, 33% protein, 25% lipids and 6% ash were recorded. Due to unstable yield which are sometimes low, breeding for high and stable yield in Okra is essentially important (Akoroda, 1986). Replacement of local and indigenous varieties/ species that grow very tall, with high abortion rate and long life cycle of 8-9 months (Kehinde 1999) with high yielding varieties of shorter life cycle (3-4 months) will improve yield
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