DUS and biochemical characterization of okra wild species for crop improvement

The present study focused on assessing the morphological and biochemical variations among the cultivated and wild okra species at vegetable research farm, Indian Agricultural Research Institute in the year 2021-22 and it has been found that the wild species possess more amount beneficial traits viz; chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, phenol, moisture, mucilage, sugar, ascorbic acid when compared to the cultivated species. The mean performance of these quantitative characters differed significantly from cultivated species (Abelmoschus esculentus). Biochemical parameter values were found to be high in wild accessions and lowest in cultivated species. Among the various wild species of A. moschatus, such as IC-141055 and IC-141040, and wild accessions of A. tetraphyllus, including IC-90515 and IC-90746-1, these plants are characterized by their small, deeply serrated leaves. These traits contribute to reduced infestation rates of BYVMV (Bhindi Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus) and ELCV (Enation Leaf Curl Virus), as the compact leaf structure offers less space for vectors to thrive. Consequently, these species are promising candidates for breeders to consider in crop improvement programs.