Assessment Through Multilocation Trial for Unique Germplasm of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. with Special Reference to Flower and Fruit Colour

Authors : Mohan Lal, Twahira Begum, Tanmita Gupta

Pages : 119-126

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Publication Date : 2024-07-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Hibiscus sabdariffa L. commonly referred to as “Roselle” and “red sorrel” is a globally known annual herbaceous species of Malvaceae family holds utmost significance owing to its medicinal properties namely antioxidant, antimicrobial, and also for its proven utility as a natural colorant. The dark-red colored anthocyanin rich calyx has multi-purpose utilities including food, beverages, and medicines. The plant species shows its significant and promising potential in avenues of natural red colorants particularly water-soluble ones. Highly adaptive to varying soil conditions and humidity, the North Eastern states of India serve as a perfect cultivation house for this exquisite plant. In the present study 32 germplasm were planted for subsequent year Kharif 2021 and Kharif 2022 in randomized block design with three replicates. From the two years’ evaluation 5 identified lines were subjected to multi-locational trials (MLT) along with one check variety named as local variety comprising of four different locations of NE India during Kharif 2023. Diverse climatic conditions of this region are responsible for the formation of new genotypes with varying chemical compositions. For this purpose, the MLT was performed at four different locations of North East India to confirm their stability performance. The main objective was to carry out a morphological and qualitative data analysis of H. sabdariffa. Plant height, colour of flower, colour of fruit, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and stem colour were evaluated. The qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate the identified lines were superior to that of the local (check) variety.
Keywords : Calyx, fruit size, flower colour, multilocation trial, roselle