Genetic diversity among Ghanaian Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Germplasm using Morphological and Molecular markers

Abstract

Knowledge of genetic diversity among germplasm is a prerequisite in any crop improvement programme. The present study, therefore, aimed to determine the extent of genetic variability and relationship in Ghanaian okra genotypes using morphological and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. A total of 40 okra accessions were collected from all agro-ecological zones of Ghana and evaluated under optimal conditions in Ghana in 2020 using alpha lattice design. Analysis of variance revealed significant (p < 0.01) variations among the genotypes for all traits studied, indicating high variability among the genotypes studied which could be exploited to develop improved okra varieties. Genotypes: Avata, Ayigbe, Baabo, Sunyani aba and Ponana ponana were identified as the superior genotypes which could further be tested and promoted among farmers. The 40 okra accessions were classified into four (4) major clusters based on the morphological traits as well as the SSR markers. The most discriminating traits identified by the principal component analysis were days to first flowering, days to first fruiting, first flowering node, fruit width, fruit yield, plant height at first flowering, leaf breadth, leaf length and the number of internodes. The findings from this study provide valuable information for okra conservation, breeding, and utilization.