Evaluation of the genotypes of an agronomic or horticultural crop for their drought tolerance ability is of utmost importance to ensure sustainable production and food security. Although a number of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] genotypes are commonly grown in Thailand, most of which have not been evaluated for their drought tolerance ability. The present study evaluated 17 of the most popular okra genotypes for their drought tolerance ability where plants were subjected to two water regimes of well–watered (WW) and water–deficit (WD; withholding irrigation for 10 days) at the vegetative stage. A significant variation among genotypes was observed in terms of growth and physio–biochemical response (15–70% reduction in shoot dry matter at WD compared with WW for different genotypes, 45% average reduction in membrane stability index for all genotypes, 62–89% reduction in net photosynthetic rate at WD compared with WW for different genotypes, and 7–146% increase in crop water stress index at WD compared with WW for different genotypes). Based on Ward’s multivariate cluster analyses of growth and physio–biochemical traits, the tested genotypes were classified into drought tolerant, moderately drought tolerant, and drought sensitive ones. Among the 17 tested genotypes, five genotypes (Four Compass 443, Green Nam Tao, Dark Green Okra No.5, Maejo 70, and Jusco) were found drought tolerant, six genotypes (Dow Morakot, King Star, Queen Star, Hisao, Bhalsar, and Maejo 49) were found moderately drought tolerant, while the remaining six genotypes (Best Green 5, TVRC 064, River Green No.1, Taratip, Lucky Five 473, and Chia Tai) were found drought sensitive. This study provides a base for okra growers to select the most feasible genotype for their areas based on the condition of irrigation water availability. The findings will also serve as firsthand information for the plant breeders to screen the newly–released genotypes for their drought tolerance ability.

评估农业或园艺作物基因型的耐旱能力对于确保可持续生产和粮食安全至关重要。虽然许多秋葵 [ Abelmoschus esculentus(L.) Moench] 基因型在泰国普遍种植，其中大多数尚未对其耐旱能力进行评估。本研究评估了 17 种最受欢迎​​的秋葵基因型的耐旱能力，其中植物在营养阶段经历充足浇水 (WW) 和缺水 (WD；停止灌溉 10 天) 两种水况。在生长和生理生化反应方面观察到基因型之间存在显着差异（与 WW 相比，不同基因型 WD 的芽干物质减少 15-70%，所有基因型的膜稳定性指数平均减少 45%，62-89与不同基因型的 WW 相比，WD 时的净光合速率降低了 %；与不同基因型的 WW 相比，WD 时作物水分胁迫指数增加了 7-146%）。根据Ward对生长和生理生化性状的多变量聚类分析，将测试的基因型分为耐旱、中度耐旱和干旱敏感基因型。在17个测试的基因型中，5个基因型（四指南针443、绿南涛、深绿秋葵5号、梅乔70和吉之岛）被发现耐旱，6个基因型（道莫拉克、国王之星、女王之星、久尾、巴尔萨尔） 、Maejo 49）具有中等耐旱性，而其余 6 个基因型（Best Green 5、TVRC 064、River Green No.1、Taratip、Lucky Five 473 和 Chia Tai）对干旱敏感。这项研究为秋葵种植者根据灌溉用水状况选择最可行的基因型提供了基础。