Determination of selection criteria for yield traits to improve okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) breeding in Indonesia.

Abstract

The Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench, commonly known as okra, is increasingly cultivated in Indonesia due to its recognition as a functional food source. Current efforts in breeding new okra varieties are focused on high productivity, yet minimal information is available regarding selection criteria. This study aimed to identify key characteristics for selecting high-yield okra varieties. In-depth, this research aims to obtain selection characters in each type of okra (red and green okra). A randomized block design was used with 20 okra genotypes and three replicates, resulting in 60 experimental units, each containing 10 sample plants. Results indicated that green okra exhibited superior growth traits like stem diameter and number of nodes, but red okra showed higher overall productivity due to its resilience under biotic stress. However, both types showed similar selection characteristics related to high productivity, specifically the number of fruits and nodes. These findings provide essential insights for future breeding programs aimed at improving okra productivity in Indonesia. The way to determine the selection criteria is not fixated on correlation and path analysis, but can use correlation and stepwise regression as in this study. This method of determining selection criteria is more comprehensive than research on okra in Indonesia. However, it can be used externally to breed other commodity crops in various regions.