SOME GENOTYPIC AND PHENOTYPIC TRAITS OF ROSELLE ( Hibiscus sabdariffa var. Sabdariffa ) AND THEIR PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Six genotypes of Roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa var. sabdariffa ) were evaluated under rain-fed conditions at two location s, 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 (r p) and genotypic (r g) correlation coefficients and path analysis were estimated. Data were collected on number of branches/plant, nu mber 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 t o 50% flowering had the highest positive direct effect on calyx yield, foll owed 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 varieti es and high number of branches/plant will cause high calyx yield/unit are a.