Plant spatial arrangement on growth, weed control, and yield of okra

Abstract

ABSTRACT Light interception by okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] can be altered by changing row and plant spacing and plant/row orientation. In okra, reduction in yield can occur due to improper planting arrangement, use of inappropriate cultivar, weed interference, and ineffective weed control. A field experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, to assess the effects of planting arrangement on okra and on its ability to control weeds. Cultivars NHAe 47–4 and LD 88 were established at a population of 40,000 plants∙ha−1 as a result of spatial arrangement using 100 cm inter-row distance and respective intra-row distances of: 25 cm with 1 plant/stand; 50 cm with 2 plants/stand, and 75 cm with 3 plants/stand. Data were collected on number of leaves, plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering; total fruit yield, weed density, weed fresh weight, and weed dry matter content. Cultivar and planting arrangement affected growth, yield, and weed interference. More and wider, leaves with taller plants were produced by cv. NHAe 47–4 planted at 1 plant/stand. Cultivar LD 88 planted at 1 plant/stand produced wider stems, higher yields and best weed suppression (7 weeds.m2) while earlier flowering was observed at 2 plants/stand. The days to 50% flowering was similar for cv. NHAe 47–4 planted at 1 or 2 plants/stand and ‘LD 88ʹ planted at 2 plants/stand. Cultivar LD 88 planted at 1 plant/stand had higher yield and suppressed weeds best, 7 weeds∙m2. Plant spatial arrangement can affect growth and yield. The best planting arrangement for a crop could have impact on productivity and cost of production. The late-maturing cv. LD 88 planted at 100 × 25 cm at 1 plant/stand produced optimum okra growth, yield, and efficient weed control in a traditional cropping system in the tropics.