Genetic control of aluminium tolerance in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) genotypes ‘Parbhani Kranti’ and ‘Arka Anamika’ resistant to Al3+ were crossed to two aluminium-sensitive genotypes, ‘CO-203’ and ‘Punjab-7’ to determine the nature of inheritance of resistance. The parents, F1, F2 and F3 generations were grown in nutrient solution containing 10 mg/l Al3+ for hematoxylin staining of root tips and classified for tolerance. The segregation ratios between the resistant and sensitive genotypes in the F2 (n = 1071) and F3 (n = 335) were 15: 1 and 7: 8:1, respectively. These results indicated that Al3+ resistance is controlled by two dominant genes. This is the first report of Al3+ resistance in okra.

► Identified genetic control of Al3+ tolerance based on haematoxylin staining score.
► Aluminium tolerance is controlled by two dominant genes in okra.
► Study allows investigating physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying Al3+ resistance.