Morphological characterization and yield performance of exotic okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) genotypes at Sylhet Sadar, Bangladesh

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is one of the most important green fruit vegetables in Bangladesh and is grown in all parts of the country. However, its production varies in the different agroecological regions. Thus, the present study was conducted in the Sadar Sylhent region, Bangladesh to assess the exotic okra genotype (s) based on morphological, reproductive and yield attributes. A total of 10 Japanese okra genotypes (JO-1 to JO-10) were comparatively evaluated with the BARI Dherosh-1 (control) in a randomized complete nlock design in triplicates. All the morphological features viz. stem colour, leaf, vein, petiole, pedicel, epicalyx, speal and fruits were demonstrated almost similar in all the studied genotypes except JO-5. Considering reproductive traits, results showed the significant variations amid the studies genotypes and an individual genotype performed better in some unique traits. The highest number of flowers (17), fruit setting (84.56%) and fruits per plant (14.1) was obtaines in the genotype JO-7 while JO-3 possessed maximum ovary length (1.5cm), fruit weight (23.86g) which in turn produced the heaviest fruit. The highest yield was recorded in the genotype JO-7 yielded the highest fruit yield (14.08 t ha^-1) followed by JO-9 (11.92 t ha^-1) and JO-3 (11.22 t ha^-1) while the lowest yield was recorded in JO-5 (2.47 t ha^-1). In conclusion, the genotypes JO-9 and JO-3 may be promising lines for cultivating exotic okra in the Sylhet region, Bangladesh.