Wide hybridization in okra

Crosses were made between members of the two West African okra types 'Soudanien' and 'Guineen'. All crosses succeeded in both directions and the F1 plants which showed hybrid vigour for plant stature were partially sterile. Cytological observations of the F1 plants revealed abnormal meiosis which resulted in the production of microspores of variable sizes. The frequency of viable pollen (as indicated by acetocarmine staining) was low in the hybrids: 35.80% (U.I.92× U.I.313) and 39.41% (1bk-1×U.I.215). The number of seeds produced per fruit was low in the hybrids and only a few of these seeds are viable. The possibility of gene transfer between the two okra types was discussed.