Unraveling the genetic diversity, seed oil fatty acid constituents and antioxidant activity of different okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) populations.

Background: Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench is cultivated globally for use as a salad or culinary herb. It has a narrow genetic diversity and is sensitive to heat and drought stress. Therefore, it is very important to detect different chemotypes and genotypes to be applied in its breeding programs.

Results: The genetic diversity is equally distributed within and among the populations. Principal coordinates analysis, genetic diversity and polymorphism parameters revealed a high level of within-population diversity for some populations. PhiPT values, genetic differentiation index and total heterozygosity amount explored a high level of genetic differentiation between some populations, with a low average rate of gene flow. Nei's genetic distance and STRUCTURE analysis assigned the populations to two distinct and some intermediate genotype groups. Seed oils were composed of the same unsaturated and saturated fatty acids in a ratio of nearly 2:1. Linoleic and oleic fatty acids were the first and second main unsaturated fatty acids, followed by palmitic acid as a major saturated fatty acid in all populations. Clustering analyses explored the populations classified into two chemotype groups. However, it was not similar to those obtained by the molecular genetic data. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH; IC₅₀ μg mL^-1) analysis revealed a moderate to weak antioxidant activity for a few populations, which significantly correlated with palmitic acid amount.

Conclusion: Environmental factors have a stronger effect on seed oil fatty acids profiles than the genetic structure. The detected genotypes and chemotypes could be used for the development of genetic and chemical diversity, respectively, in this crop. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.