2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is one of the most important annual vegetable crops cultivated in Africa. Okra is highly rich source of vitamins, minerals, and iodine. Twenty Okra germplasm collections from different parts of Nigeria were characterized and evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications for selection for development of new variety. Out of the 20 genotype evaluated NHOLAK₂ and NHOLAK₅ were farmers’ preference and were identified as the best genotype to develop F₁ hybrid with high yield. Pure line selection was used to improve the yield and early maturing spineless fruit with good cooking qualities. The F₁ obtained after crosses were made between NHOLAK₂ and NHOLAK₅ was selfed until F₆ to obtain pure line. Morphological characterization including the fruit set and seed setting of the pure lines of improved varieties and others commercial varieties (NH47/4 and LD88) were carried out at National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) Ibadan, Nigeria. The performance of the newly developed variety and the popular commercial varieties as check under multilocational trials in different Agroecological zones revealed the superiority of the hybrid with the highest mean yield of fruit of 800g/plant over two seasons. The NHOLAK₇ was further evaluated in farmer’s field in five locations and the mean yield was 950 g/plant. The overall mean yield was 970 g/plant with an estimated yield of 35t/ha which was 10% more than the commercial check recorded 25t/ha.