Exploring Genetic Diversity and Variation in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench): A Comprehensive Study on Cultivars

Abstract

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), a nutritionally and economically significant vegetable crop, suffers from low productivity due to limited genetic improvement efforts. The lack of comprehensive genetic diversity studies hampers the development of high-yielding, stress-tolerant cultivars. This study aims to evaluate genetic variability, heritability, and genetic diversity among 28 okra genotypes using key agronomic traits such as plant height, fruit yield, and seed weight. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Euclidean distance were employed to assess genetic variation and identify promising genotypes for breeding. The analysis revealed significant variability among genotypes, with genetic diversity ranging from 0.19 to 4.09. Genotypes G1 and G28 exhibited the greatest genetic distance, indicating their suitability as parents for hybridization. PCA identified five principal components that explained 80.67% of the total variation, with plant height, fruit weight, and seeds per pod contributing most to the genetic divergence. High heritability estimates for traits like plant height and fruit yield suggested the predominance of additive genetic effects, making these traits ideal for selection in breeding programs. Genotypes G1 and G18 were identified for early maturity and high yield, while G6 and G20 were noted for reduced seed content, making them suitable for processing-oriented breeding. This study underscores the importance of genetic diversity in enhancing okra productivity. By identifying superior genotypes and quantifying their genetic variation, the findings provide a framework for the development of resilient, high-yielding okra varieties tailored to diverse agro-climatic conditions.