Genotype x Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] in Cameroon

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess genotype x environment interaction and also to determine stability of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) genotypes for nine traits in Cameroon. Eight okra genotypes (including five parents of Cameroon and three exotics) were evaluated across three different locations (Dibang, Yagoua and Yaounde) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Each plot consisted of three rows of six plants each. Genotype x environment interaction has been evaluated using SAS Software.  There was considerable variation for all traits studied among both genotypes and environments. Five different methods of stability analysis have been used for the comparison of the genotypes and also to determine the most suitable stability parameter of okra. The stability in relation to the characters is independent of the genotypes. A total correspondence (r=1) exist between the general mean and the Pi performance for characters such as 50 % flowering and the fruit peduncle length. For, the procedure of Lin and Binns appeared to be more of a genotype performance measure, rather than a stability measure. The Wricke’s and Shukla’s procedures of stability statistic showed the highest significant positive correlation (P<0.01) with the majority of the studied character. That makes these procedures equivalent for ranking purposes.