Abstract

Sixty lines of NH_47-4 variety of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), obtained from the National Institute of Horticultural Research and Training (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria, were grown in two different locations (Akure and Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria) under rain-fed conditions using the Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. The plants’ genotypic coefficients of variation and correlations were analysed for eleven quantitative traits, namely days to flowering, days to maturity, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, height at flowering, final height, pod length, pod width, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 seeds and seed yield. The number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant and seed yield showed high genotypic coefficient of variation. Plant height at flowering, final plant height and number of seeds per pod showed positive direct genotypic effect on the number of branches per plant. Number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod showed very high direct genotypic effect on seed yield. For a reliable selection index, number of pods per plant was a prime character. This was closely followed by height at flowering and then number of seeds per pod. Therefore, greater attention should be given to these traits in variety development.

Key words: Genotype, environment, interaction, correlation coefficient, variation, okra,selection.