Abstract
The present study was conducted on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) genotypes collected from Benishangul Regional State of Western Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of okra within a regional state based on qualitative traits at Melkassa Research Center during the rainy season of 2019. The results showed that the okra genotypes collected from the regional state had a wide variation in growth habits, leaf, fruit, flower, and seed in their qualitative traits, namely, shape, color, and other quality factors like pubescence which is a determinant factor in consumer preference. Therefore, the result of this study is an indicator for the presence of a higher chance to develop okra varieties highly preferred by domestic and foreign markets through selection/crossing of okra genotype collected from Benishangul Gumuz regional state; as an example, accession 29622 had a smooth texture of fruit with green fruit color which is preferable by consumers. However, the genotypes showed greater variability for plant branching habits that has its effect mainly related to contamination of branches and fruits by soilborne microorganisms and the soil itself during irrigating fields. Finally, it is better if molecular characterization is to be followed by the current morphological characterization and evaluation work.
Highlights
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) belongs to the family Malvaceae and it is a very important vegetable crop grown in tropical and subtropical parts of the world [1]
Okra is proposed to be originated in Tropical Africa and it is native to North Eastern Africa in the area of Ethiopia and Sudan from where it extensively spread to Asia, America, Southern Europe, and other countries [2, 3]
Yield increment only is not enough in crop improvement unless the quality of produce is considered [17]. erefore, it is mandatory to consider qualitative traits like shape, color, texture, and others during the study. e okra genotypes collected from different regions and countries may be distributed into varied categories of plant habit, stem color, and plant alignment, and the proportion of genotypes in each category may vary due to either inherent characteristic differences and environmental differences where the genotypes grow or selection of different genotypes by a human being
Summary
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) belongs to the family Malvaceae and it is a very important vegetable crop grown in tropical and subtropical parts of the world [1]. Okra is proposed to be originated in Tropical Africa and it is native to North Eastern Africa in the area of Ethiopia and Sudan from where it extensively spread to Asia, America, Southern Europe, and other countries [2, 3]. It is self-pollinated, mainly propagated by seeds with a duration of 3 to 4 months [4, 5]. Okra typically differs from most other common vegetables in having high mucilage content [14]. Okra typically differs from most other common vegetables in having high mucilage content [14]. e seed is used as a coffee additive or substitute [15]
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