Seed Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) as Influenced by Sowing Dates, Harvest Date and Pod Position

Abstract

Seed production and quality of okra were obviously influenced by sowing date, harvest date and pod position on the mother plant. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of sowing dates (1st March, 1st April and 1st May), harvest dates (30 , 40 and 50 days after anthesis (DAA)) and pod position on plant (lower, middle and upper) on seed yield and quality of okra (Balady cv.). Two field experiments were carried out during the summer seasons of 2013 and 2014 at Shandaweel Agriculture Research Station, ARC, Sohag Governorate, Egypt. The obtained results indicated that, sowing okra plants on 1st April increased all studied characters compared to other sowing dates of 1st March, or 1st May. Harvesting pods at 40 or 50 days after anthesis gave the maximum germination percentage comparing to early harvest at 30 days after anthesis. Pods at lower or middle positions on the okra plant exhibited the best values in seed yield in terms of seeds number/pod, seeds weight/ pod, 100 seed weight and quality in terms of germination percentage, root and shoot length of seedlings. All possible combinations had significant effect on pod diameter, seed index, germination percentage and shoot in both seasons. The highest values were obtained from pods of plants sown on in 1st April and their pods harvesed from lower or middele postions after 40 days after anthesis.It could be recommended from the previous results the highest seed yield and quality was obtained in okra under the condition of this experiment and similar conditions, following planting okra on 1st April and harvest till 8 th pod after 40 days from anthesis.