Behaviour of different ecotypes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) under water deficit during budding and flowering phases.

摘要

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to develop strategies for participatory breeding programs that take into account farmers selection criteria including genotypes tolerant or resistant to drastic conditions such as water deficit to periods where the plant is expressing its genetic potential. Six okra ecotypes obtained through participatory plant breeding processes in 5 agricultural districts in Burkina Faso were assessed for tolerance to drought occurring during the budding and the flowering phases. Results showed that water deficit during the budding phase has disastrous consequences for okra plants. The yield and the length, number and weight of fruits were reduced. Two types flowering phases of the okra plant were observed, i.e. the period which intervenes during the accelerated growth phase of the main stem (type 1) and the one which starts once the growth of main stem begins to decline (type 2). This last type is the most frequently met. Water deficit during the budding phase causes earlier flowering of type 2 plants and leads to delayed flowering of the type 1 plants. The best variables for discriminating okra ecotypes during water deficit are the relative water content, the length and the number of fruits. Three ecotypes (V1, V3 and V4) were chosen to be used in okra breeding programmes for resistance to water deficit..