Multivariate analysis among Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) collection in South Western Ethiopia

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is an economically important vegetable crop grown in different part of Ethiopia particular in south western part of the country. The objective of the study was to evaluate genetic diversity among Okra accessions based on quantitative morphological traits. Twenty five Okra accessions were planted in 2011/2012 at Gambella in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on 20 quantitative traits were collected and subjected to various statistical analyses. The analysis of variance showed significant differences (p<0.01) among the accessions for all quantitative characters measured. Cluster and distance analysis of quantitative characters based on multivariate analysis pointed out the existence of five divergent groups. The maximum distance was observed between cluster II and I (2846) while the minimum was between I and III (213.64). Principal component analysis indicated that six principal components explained about 83% of the total variation. Differentiation of germplasm into different cluster was because of cumulative effect of number of characters. Accessions like GM7, GM9 and GH13 from Gambella collection and AS4 and AS11 from Assosa collection are recommended for the next breeding work as they are high yielder accessions compared to the others. The present study indicated a considerable amount of variability for the majority of the quantitative characters in Okra for exploitation. However, it is recommended that the experiment should be repeated at more location and years with more collections to confirm the obtained results. © 2014 Academic Journals Inc.