Effect of nitrogen fertilizer on growth and fruit yield of two okra varieties (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench).

Abstract

Field work was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna is located in the Southern Guinea Savannah ecological zone of Nigeria during the 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. The treatments consisted of seven rates of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 100 and 120 kN/ha) and two okra varieties (NHAe47-4 and Clemson spineless). Plots were measuring 3X4 meter comprising of 5 ridges. Parameters measured included days to first flower bud sighting and opening, days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of leaves and stem girth at productive branches, flower abortion incidence, fresh fruit number/plot, fresh fruit girth and length/fruit, fresh fruit weight/plot, dry fruit girth and length/fruit, number of seeds/fruit and seed weight/fruit. Data were subjected to ANOVA and means separated by Duncan Nultiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. Application of 80 and 100 kgNha resulted to the highest growth and yield parameters amongst all the nitrogen treatments in the both years. Therefore application of 80 kgN/ha should be adopted by farmers in the study area to maximize their yield. NHAe47-4 is recommended for immature fruit and seed production. Clemson spineless is also recommended for high productivity but Clemson spineless fruit contain more number of seeds than NHAe47-4 variety.