Estimation of Genetic Parameters for some Morphological Traits among Newly Selected Nigerian Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) Genotypes.

Abstract

In order to assess some genetic parameters among newly selected Nigerian Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) genotypes; the roselle genotypes were evaluated for their morphological and yield attributes at the Department of Biological Sciences experimental garden, Federal University of Technology, Minna during 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 growing seasons, using a Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with four replicates. The morphological parameters were investigated using standard procedures. The results on the morphometric parameters showed significant difference (P≤ 0.05) for most of the parameters studied. The present study also revealed that some of the morphological parameters were influenced by environmental factors, such parameters are not suitable for selection. Moreover, higher estimates for genotypic variances than environmental variances for plant height at flowering, number of seeds per capsule, number of branches per plant and number of fruits per plant, indicate good characters for selection and improvement of the crop. The highest genetic advance as percentage of mean (129.80%) was obtained for number of branches per plant at 50% flowering; whereas, stem circumference at harvest had the lowest (6.36%). In addition, high values of broad sense heritability estimates (≥ 60%) was high for plant height at 6 week after thinning, plant height at 50% budding and flowering, number of branches at 50% flowering and number of seeds per capsule. Therefore, combination of high heritability estimates with genetic advance in the selection program is important for selection of crop in the future. Emphasis should be made on those agro-morphological parameters that show greater genetic importance for selection and improvement of the crop in Nigeria.