Screening of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench) genotypes for yield and other morphological components under the agro-climatic conditions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an important vegetable grown throughout Pakistan and many other countries. Due to its diverse genetic background it is possible to screen and develop approved varieties for yield and quality, using existing germplasm pool. The current study aimed to assess the morphological and yield parameters of 18 okra genotypes including two check varieties (Green Finger and Arka Anamika). The initial study was carried out in 2021 to evaluate performance of the selected genotypes for 50% flowering, internode length, number of nodes, capsule yield, 1000 seed weight, leaf color, leaf shape, and capsule color. Mean yield results showed that NIFA Bhindi Line-1 (NBL-1) and NIFA Bhindi Line-2 (NBL-2) performed well for the traits under study compared to the other genotypes. NBL-1 took 44 days to 50% flowering, and its minimum plant height was 130 cm with shorter internode length (4.35 cm), highest number of nodes (57), maximum fruit yield (18062 kg ha-1) and maximum 1000 seed weight (67.5 g). Preliminary Yield Trial (PYT) conducted during 2022 at NIFA showed that NBL-1 displayed early fruiting (54 days), minimum plant height (124 cm), maximum fruit yields (13107 kg ha-1) and maximum 1000 seed weight (67 g) over the other genotypes. Based on superior performance over the other genotypes, NBL-1 possesses the potential to become new commercially viable okra variety in the near future.