Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 32: 2015 - 2019. Published August 9, 2010.
Productivity of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) at varying sowing dates in Makurdi, Nigeria
IJOYAH M.O*, ATANU S.O and OJO S.
Department of Crop Production, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, P.M.B. 2373, Benue State, Nigeria
*Author for Correspondence e-mail: mikejoy2005@yahoo.comABSTRACT
Objective: To study the effect of sowing date on productivity of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) variety ‘V-25’ and identify the optimal sowing date.
Methodology and results: The field trial was carried out at the University of Agriculture Research Farm, Makurdi, Nigeria, in 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons. The treatments consisted of three sowing dates (late June, mid-July and early August), replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. The results showed that early flowering and greater pod length, pod diameter, number of pods per plant and pod weight were recorded for the late June sowing. Okra yield was observed to reduce as sowing dates advanced. The yield produced from the late June sowing was significantly (P< 0.05) greater by 12.3 % and 11.1 % respectively, in 2008 and 2009 compared to that obtained from the mid-July sowing and by 22.8 % and 25.9 % respectively, in 2008 and 2009 compared to that produced from the early August sowing.
Actual or potential application of findings: This study showed that to maximize okra yield, the optimal sowing date would be late June for variety ‘V-25’. This should therefore be recommended for Makurdi location, Nigeria.
Key words: Sowing dates, Okra yield, Guinea Savannah ecology.
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