Assessment of genetic diversity among okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) genotypes for quality traits

Thirty diverse genotypes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) were evaluated during kharif 2013 in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The mature fruits (seven days after anthesis) were analysed for 19 quality traits. Dietary fibre content was recorded maximum in genotype Arka Abhay (0.09 g/g), while genotype USDO 2546 was found good source of dietary fibre (0.09 g/g) as well as protein (2.75%). Mucilage content was found maximum in genotype Punjab Padmini (6.10 %) and least mucilage was recorded in genotype DOV 26 (3.35%). Maximum iron content was recorded in genotype DOV 66 (1.71ppm) followed by DOV 27 (1.60ppm) and DOV 24 (1.53ppm). However, high calcium content was recorded in Arka Abhay and DOV 23. Genotype P 7 (13.33μg/g), DOV 2 and DOV 4 (i.e. 13.04 μg/g each) were found high in ascorbic acid. Total leaf carotenoid content was maximum in Pusa A 4 (3.35 mg/g). Total leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid content was maximum in Pusa A 4 (3.35 mg/g and 3.06 mg/g, respectively). Based on Mahalanobis D2 analysis 30 genotypes were grouped into 7 divergent clusters. Cluster VII had maximum (7) genotypes followed by cluster III and V (6 genotypes in each). Maximum inter cluster distance (6.44) was recorded between genotypes of cluster IV and VII. Cluster IV recorded maximum cluster mean for sugar (5.36%), ascorbic acid content (11.42 mg/g), ash content (1.57%), protein content (2.54%) and Mn content (0.29ppm). In principal component analysis of morphological traits, a total of 82.33% variability was contributed by 7 principal components out of 20 principal components.