EFFECT OF NITROGEN RATES ON GROWTH, FRUIT AND SEED YIELD OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Abstract

A Field trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (Southern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria) during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. The treatments consisted of two okra varieties (NHAe47-4 and LD 88) and five rates of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1). Each plot measures 2×5.25 m (10.5m2) comprising of eight ridges. Parameters measured included days to first flower bud initiation and opening, days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of leaves, abortion incidence, number of productive branches, number of fresh fruits, number of seeds, weight of seed and 100 seed weight were determined among others. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS Statistical package 9.2. At 5% level of probability means were separated using Student- Newman Keuls (SNK) Test. Application of 90kg N/ha to okra is therefore suggested for good growth, improved fruit and seed yield in the studied zone. NHAe47-4 fruits contained more number of seeds than LD88 variety.