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Abstract

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdarifa L.) is cultivated for its stem, leaves, and other parts in tropical and subtropical regions. The cleistogamous nature of the roselle plant makes it difficult for hybridization and further conventional improvement. Therefore, this study evaluated thirty-five roselle genotypes in order to sort-out the most performing genotype with high yield potential. The results revealed that genotype BUM-001 exhibited the highest fruits number per plant (290), weight of individual calyx (725 g), and maximum fruits weight per plant (1096.69g). The calyx ball and calyx fruit ratios were higher in the genotype VM-1 (1.17 and 0.53, respectively). The maximum fruit length (54.19 mm) and heaviest calyx (4.65 g) were recorded in the genotype BUM-007. The minimum duration for 100% flowering (71 days), 1st fruit maturity (56 days), 1st edible fruit maturity (110 days), and 50% fruit maturity (121 days) was found in genotype 4556. Maximum fruit width (26.37 mm) and fruit weight (11.18 g) were observed for the genotype BUM-004. High heritability, broad sense, and genetic gain were found in several branches, internode length, calyx yield, fruit yield per plant, and individual calyx weight. The values of genotypic correlation coefficients were higher than their corresponding phenotypic correlation coefficient, indicating a strong inherent association between various characters at the genetic level. Significant and positive correlation coefficients were observed for fruit yield per plant with days to 1st edible maturity fruit weight, fruits per plant, and fruit length. The results obtained from path analysis showed that 50% maturity (days) had the strongest influence on fruit yield per plant, followed by fruits per plant, fruit length, and first fruit setting (days). These results improve our understanding of crop improvement in roselle plants which could be further utilized for new varieties development

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