Effect of foliar spray of Amirthakaraisal on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) cultivation

Abstract

An experiment was carried out to study the performance of different concentrations of Amirthakaraisal, a foliar spray, on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) development and yield. The conducted experiment followed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with the following treatments; T1 - Full recommended fertilizer, T2 - Compost 10 ton/ha, T3 - 5 ton/ha compost as basal and 5 ton/ha compost as topdressing, and 5 ton/ha compost as basal and 5 ton/ha compost as topdressing with 1% (T4), 3% (T5), 5% (T6) Amirthakaraisal as a foliar spray at 1st, 3rd and 5th week after planting. The results showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of pods per plant, and dry weights of leaf, stem, and root. However, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the fresh weight and dry weight of pods among the tested treatments. The study suggests that foliar application of Amirthakaraisal at a 5% level compared to 1% and 3% application is effective in improving okra plant growth.