ISHS Acta Horticulturae 143: VIII African Symposium on Horticultural Crops
TAPPING NATURAL GENETIC VARIABILITY OF OKRA IN THE SUDAN |
| Author: | Ahmed A. Geneif |
| Abstract:
An effort to explore and utilise the grant natural variability found in the rain-grown okra in the Sudan started with a collection of lines of Abelmoschus esculentus from the central rainlands and southern Kordofan. The lines collected were characterized and evaluated under irrigation for yield, quality, disease resistance and general adaptation as measured by offseason, winter, production. When compared in variety trials with leading local and introduced cultivars, some of those collections had outstanding performance. Certain lines showed high yielding capacity and superior attributes especially pod colour, surface and cooking qualities. To date, two lines namely OL-6 and OL-8, tested over three seasons, stand for release as cultivars of high yield and superior market qualities. The dark green colour and smooth surface of their pods give them advantage in export for abroad markets. Other lines of average general performance but good cooking qualities may also be important additions to the local cultivars. These can be further augmented with continued similar collection and evaluation. The observeable high level of genetic uniformity within the collections and their behavior as pure lines, is an important advantage. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
