MORPHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS SPECIES)

ABSTRACT

Okra (Abelmoschus species) belongs to the family Malvaceae, order Malvales. Edwin et al. (2006) reported that the family has about 82 genera and more than 1,500 species. Abelmoschus spp are diverse in habit. Some may be annual herbs, perennial shrubs or trees and produce characteristic mucilaginous substance. Abelmoschus spp are economically important as vegetable and is available almost throughout the year. The frequency of consumption of okra from Edo state, Nigeria is 0.7% as compared to twenty-nine vegetables Five accessions;NG/MR/01/10/002, A.E 3. NG/MR/MAY/09/009, NGAE-96-0065 and NG/OA/05/12/160 of Okra (Abelmoschus species) were collected from the Gene bank, National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan, Nigeria and were morphologically investigated to determine the distinctiveness and diversity of the collection. Sixteen (16) qualitative characters descriptors were subjected for okra. Result showed significant morphological distinction into two inferred groups from dendrogram. Thus, group 1 comprises of NG/MR/MAY/09/009 and NG/OA/05/12/160 accessions while NG/MR/01/10/002, A.E 3and NGAE-96-0065 make up group 2. This variation within the genus Abelmoschus could be used for breeding that incorporates required traits. It is therefore recommended that crosses be done between accessions in different cluster group.