Evaluation of best quality okra parental lines based on morpho-physiological and nutritional attributes

The study was conducted to investigate the best quality parental line selection of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) varieties based on morpho-physiological and nutritional attributes. Significant variations were observed for the measured morpho-physiological and nutritional attributes among those varieties. Among the major traits; highest fresh and dry weight of fruit was recorded in variety 3 (Ok1-MKB1) and 7 (Ok7-GGS). Days to 50% flowering and days to mature fruit harvest showed that varieties 2 (Ok2-0366) and 4 (Ok4-LG) were the earliest. Variety 4 possessed the highest level of P while variety 6 (Ok6-ABM) of okra fruits contained the highest concentration of K. Zinc content was the highest in variety 4 and the lowest was in variety 1. Next, Variety 7 had the highest concentration of Mg and the lowest was in variety 6. Variety 5 (Ok5-SS103) contained the highest concentration of Fe while variety 3 had the lowest. Lastly, variety 3 possessed the highest content of Ca while the lowest was in variety 1, respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed the strongest correlation (P <= 0.001) in between days to 50% flowering and days to harvest, while fruit fresh weight and fruit dry weight as well. Cluster analysis grouped those 7 okra varieties into five different clusters; where V2, V3 and V6 were solely different from others, indicating the highest diversity compared to other accessions. So, for varietal improvement program, the most judicious crossing combination can be made with V2, V3 and V6 with V1 or V5 and V4 or V7, which would bring about the greater genetic diversity.