Abstract
Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] has been neglected by breeders as few cultivars have been released over the last years, which contributes to yield stagnation. Developing modern cultivars is key to increase okra production. To provide information to efficiently improve okra cultivars, this study aimed to characterize and assess the genetic diversity of a Brazilian collection by using the Ward-MLM (Modified Location Model) multivariate procedure. Both quantitative and qualitative variables can be simultaneously considered in this strategy. Forty-six okra accessions from the active germplasm bank of Embrapa Hortalicas and the open-pollinated ‘Santa Cruz 47’ were characterized according to descriptors lists. Seven groups were identified comprising seven, six, fourteen, six, five, seven, and two genotypes, respectively. Group VII was the most distant in relation to the other groups, probably because of the greatest vegetative development and lowest fruit production. Variability was observed for most morphological traits. The grouping information will be useful for germplasm conservation management and for crossing strategies. Leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, stem diameter at plant base, and first flowering height contributed the most to genetic variation. The genetic variability verified in this study suggests a high potential for breeding new okra cultivars.
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