Abstract
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is one of the popular vegetables, especially rich in iron, vitamins and other minerals. Poor soil fertility and inconsistent light intensity, due to unfavorable weather condition, reduce okra performance. Response of two okra varieties (‘NH47-4’ and ‘Clemson spine’) to different rates of compost (0, 5, 10 and 15 t/ha), under different light intensities (L0: control (no reduction) or 100% light intensity, L1: 33%, L2: 46% and L3: 76%, light reduction) were assessed in pot and field trials. The experimental design was a factorial experiment fitted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data on growth and yield attributes were collected. The results showed that the reduction in light intensity (L3) increased the numbers of fruits and leaf area by 50 and 47% respectively on the field, but delayed flowering. High light intensity (L0) though enhanced leaf area formation and early flowering, but hastened leaf senescence and abscission. Compost generally increased growth rate, leaf area and dry matter accumulation of the two okra cultivars compared to control under varying light intensities. Compost at 15 t/ha performed better and increased fruit number by 66% on the field. Between the two cultivars, ‘Clemson spine’ responded better than ‘NH47-4’ plants in terms of yield. Low light intensity (76% light reduction) in combination with higher compost rate however enhanced prolonged fruiting and leaf formation in the two okra varieties. The application of compost at 15 t/ha is therefore recommended for optimum yield of okra under low light intensity.
Highlights
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) belongs to the Malvaceae family and is one of the most popular fruit vegetables cultivated in Africa (Schippers, 2000) and other places around the world (NIHORT, 1986)
A total of ninety-six pots were used; they were filled with top soil collected from the site, which was later used for the field experiment; the experimental design was a 4x4x2 factorial experiment fitted into randomized complete block design, with three replicates
The highest values for plant height, number of leaf, leaf area and number of fruits were recorded in plants grown under 76% light reduction (L3)
Summary
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) belongs to the Malvaceae family and is one of the most popular fruit vegetables cultivated in Africa (Schippers, 2000) and other places around the world (NIHORT, 1986). Okra production is being constrained by a complex of biotic and abiotic factors at every stage of growth (Anne and Carter, 2004) Unfavorable climatic conditions such as drought, edaphic factors, excess or low light intensity can damage the quality and reduce the yield (Agbogidi and Nweke, 2005). Different plants have optimum light requirements for optimum performance and both low and high/excessive light intensities are injurious to plant growth. Light inhibits stem growth due to its effect on gibberellins while deficit in light intensities tends to reduce plant growth, development and yield (Vergara, 1978). The major aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different light intensities and compost application, as well as their interaction on the growth and yield of okra under greenhouse and field conditions.
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