Studies on morphological and yield parameters of three varieties of Nigerian okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the variation in morphological and yield parameters among three varieties (V35, Jokoso and NH4e47.4) of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] from Nigeria. Okra seeds were collected and seedlings were raised to maturity at which stage they were examined for morphological and yield parameters. The distribution pattern in days to bud emergence and days to sexual maturity were not significantly different among the three varieties. On the other hand, the number of leaves/plant and plant height at maturity were significantly highest in V35. Unlike the number of pods/plant, which was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among the three okra varieties, the number of seeds/pod was significantly higher in V35 and Jokoso than in NH4e47.4. The implications of these aspects with respect to future genetic improvement of okra are discussed. Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus, morphological traits, yield traits.