Morphological Characterization and Shannon-weaver Diversity Index (H’) of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] Germplasm

The current evaluation centered on phenotypic qualitative traits of okra as per DUS guidelines to assess the novelty and diversity in okra genotypes. Plant breeders may take advantage of these morphological traits to make sustainable use of the okra germplasm.

This investigation was carried out at the teaching farm, extended campus of BCKV, Burdwan during spring summer and rainy seasons, in 2021 to examine the phenotypic distinctions between 50 open-pollinated okra varieties for 15 morphological traits. These genotypes were gathered from various regions of India.

In the current study out of 50 genotypes, 24 genotypes (48.00%) showed medium depth of leaf blade, 68% genotypes showed light green stem colour, 68% genotypes were shown light green vein colour, 62% genotypes showed yellow petal colour, petal base colour was both sides (BS) in 72% of the genotypes, fruit pubescence was absent in 4% of the genotypes, fruit surface was concave in 62% of the genotypes, constriction of the fruit basal part was weak in 62% of genotypes, narrow acute fruit shape of the apex in 48% of the genotypes, fruit colour was the green in 60% of the genotypes, fruit locules were less than six and seed colour was green in all genotypes. Shannon Diversity H’ value varied from 0 to 1.206. The fruit pubescence character showed highest diversity (1.206) followed by depth of leaf lobbing (1.038), fruit shape of the apex (0.973) and fruit length at marketable stage (0.947). Seed colour, fruit locule number and serration of the leaf blade’s margin did not show any diversity among the genotypes.