Some genotypic and phenotypic traits of roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa var. Sabdariffa)‎ and their practical implications

Abstract EN

Six genotypes of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa var.

sabdariffa) were evaluated under rain-fed conditions at two locations, El-Obeid research farm and Um-Shijeira village, Sudan for two consecutive seasons (2003/04 and 2004/05), using randomized complete block design with four replications.

Phenotypic (rp) and genotypic (rg) correlation coefficients and path analysis were estimated.

Data were collected on number of branches/plant, number of capsules/plant, plant population/ha, days to 50% flowering, 100-seed weight/gram and calyxes yield kg/ha.

At the genotypic level, calyx yield (kg/ha) had highly significant negative correlations with days to 50% flowering and 100-seed weight (g).

At the phenotypic level, calyx yield (kg/ha) showed highly significant positive correlations with number of branches/plant and 100-seed weight (g).

The path coefficient analysis indicated that days to 50% flowering had the highest positive direct effect on calyx yield, followed by number of branches/plant.

The direct effect of the remaining characters (number of capsules/plant, plant population and 100-seed weight) on calyx yield was negative.

Thus, selection for late maturing varieties and high number of branches/plant will cause high calyx yield/unit area.

KEYWORDS: Hibiscus sabdariffa var.

sabdariffa, Genotypic correlation, phenotypic correlation, Path coefficient.