Evaluation of the Agro-Morphological Variability of Okra Ecotypes from a Humid and a Semi-Arid Zone in West Africa

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Résumé

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), a fruiting legume of the Malvaceae family, is widely cultivated in Africa and Asia for its nutritional and economic value. In Burkina Faso, despite its importance and several studies, the varietal offer registered in the national catalog remains limited to a single improved variety, hindering crop diversification. The aim of this study was to assess the agro-morphological variability of okra ecotypes from two different agro-ecological zones (humid and semi-arid), in order to diversify the range of varieties available in Burkina Faso. An experiment was conducted from June to September 2023 at the Farako Bâ station, Burkina Faso. Forty okra ecotypes (29 from Togo and 11 from Burkina Faso) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The study covered 11 qualitative and 12 quantitative traits. The results revealed considerable variability in the qualitative traits, notably the color and shape of stems, leaves and fruit, as well as great diversity in the quantitative traits measured. Marked phenotypic differences were observed between ecotypes from humid and semi-arid zones. Multivariate analyses, in particular hierarchical ascending classification, enabled the collection to be grouped into four distinct classes, revealing clear patterns of variability. Fifteen ecotypes (BF-13G1-2, BF-11G1-1, BF-1G1-6, TGO-037, TGO-026, TGO-009, TGO-022, TGO-033, TGO-013, TGO-002, TGO-006, TGO-015, TGO-030, TGO-014, TGO-025) stood out for their good agronomic performance, particularly in terms of earliness (average cycle of 59days after sowing) and yield (with an average fruit diameter of 21.56mm, a final stem diameter of 66.63mm, an average number of 7 Fruits harvested per plant and 100 seeds per capsule). These elite ecotypes, combining earliness and productivity traits, represent a promising genetic base for future breeding programs aimed at developing and disseminating new okra varieties adapted to farmers' needs and local conditions.

Mots-clés

Okra, Agro-morphological, Variability, Yield, BURKINA Faso, Togo