Crossability studies in genus Abelmoschus

Abstract

The results of cross compatibility studies revealed that cultivated A.esculentus cultivars were found compatible both directly and reciprocally with A. tuberculatus, A.tetraphyllus, A.caillei, A.manihot (L.) Medikus, A.manihot spp. manihot and A.manihot spp. tetraphyllus while, A. moschatus was found incompatible on both ways with A. esculentus. The wild species A. ficulneus was found compatible but seed sterile with A.esculentus when later used as female parent however, A.ficulneus was found incompatible with A.esculentus when former used as female parent while, wild species A.angulosus was found compatible with A.esculentus, only when later used as female parent. In general, highest fruit set percentage, number of seeds per crossed fruit, crossability index and germination percentage was observed when A.esculentus was used as female parent while crossing with all wild species except A.caillei.