Effects of Colchicine on Growth and Yield Traits of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [L] Moench) Varieties

Abstract

Abelmoschus esculentus is one of the most nutritious vegetable crops, but its production has declined in Nigeria over the years. This study aimed to determine the effect of colchicine on growth and yield traits of Abelmoschus esculentus. The experiment was conducted at the Botany Garden of Ahmadu Bello University. Three okra varieties (Clemson Spineless, Yar’Balla, and Yar’Sumaila) were treated with five different concentrations of colchicine for five hours, washed in running water, and air-dried for 24 h. The treated seeds were sown in polythene bags arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in a factorial arrangement for first and second generations.   Data were collected on percentage emergence, percentage survival, plant height (cm), leaf area (cm²), number of leaves, number of flowers, capsule length and width (cm), and number of seeds per capsule.  Growth and yield data were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), and means were separated using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test.   Colchicine treatments significantly improved growth and yield traits such as percentage emergence (84%), survival (80%), plant height (39cm), and leaf area (85cm²). Also produced the highest number of flowers (18), number of capsules (14) capsules length (10.33cm), and number of seeds per capsule (33). In conclusion, colchicine enhanced the growth and yield performance of okra varieties, with lower concentrations producing superior results compared to higher concentrations.