Genetic Variability in Yield and Nutritional Traits of Red Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Genotypes

Background and Objective: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a widely consumed vegetable, valued for its high nutritional content. Red okra genotypes have gained increasing attention for their aesthetic appeal and potential nutraceutical benefits, but limited studies have quantified genetic variability in yield and nutritional traits. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of selected red okra genotypes to identify superior lines for breeding programs targeting both productivity and nutritional quality. Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted during the Kharif-2 season of 2022 at the BIRTAN HQ research field in Araihazar, Narayangonj, Bangladesh. Three red okra genotypes (OK28, OK29, OK31) and one green okra genotype (OK63) were evaluated under a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were recorded on agronomic traits (fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, plant height, yield per plant) and nutritional traits (vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium). Vitamin C was measured by the HPLC method, while mineral contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The ANOVA, descriptive statistics, and Pearson’s correlation analysis were performed at the 1% and 5% significance levels. Results: Significant (p<0.01) variability was detected among genotypes for all traits. Fruit yield per plant was highest in OK29 (1659.98 g) and OK31 (1664.24 g). Nutritional traits varied widely, with vitamin C ranging from 10.27 to 25.87 mg/100 g and calcium from 9.87 to 70.6 mg/100 g. The OK31 combined high yield with superior vitamin C (25.87 mg/100 g), magnesium (45.8 mg/100 g), and potassium (250.27 mg/100 g), while OK63 excelled in calcium (70.6 mg/100 g) and potassium (279.6 mg/100 g). Correlation analysis revealed that fruit number was negatively associated with fruit size and nutrient content, while fruit length strongly correlated with vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Conclusion: Red okra genotypes showed wide genetic variability in both yield and nutritional quality. The OK31 emerged as the most promising genotype for dual improvement of productivity and nutrition, while OK29 and OK63 were valuable for yield and specific nutrient enhancement, respectively. These results provide a foundation for breeding programs targeting biofortified red okra cultivars.