Okra Varieties Research Articles

Response of Okra Varieties to Different Fertilizer Level of Humic Acid

Background and Objective: Poor soil fertility is a great limitation to crop production. The adverse effects of chemical fertilizer and the unavailability of organic fertilizer in large quantities are another challenge. The research was conducted at the Research Farm of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria to examine the effects of appropriate doses of humic acid (HA) fertilizers for maximum performance of okra.
 Materials and Methods: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The two factorial experiments comprise four levels of humic acid fertilizer (0, 5.0, 10.0, and 15.0 g HA plant-1) and NPK 15-15-15 (150 kg hac-1), and two okra varieties. The two okra varieties were allocated to main plots while the fertilizer levels were allocated to sub-plots. The collected data on final plant height (cm), the number of leaves per plant, the number of fruits per plant, the weight of fresh fruit per plant (g), the fruit length (cm), the leaf area (cm3), the fruit diameter (cm), and the stem diameter (cm) and analyzed with the IRRI STAR Software.
 Results: The result showed that the traits measured were significantly different for (HA) levels and NPK fertilizers. The varieties were significantly different for the measured traits except for leaf area, fruit diameter, and fruit length while the varieties x amendment levels were significant for plant height, leaf area, fruit diameter, and stem diameter while others are not significant. The measured traits increases as the humic acid levels increase. It was observed that the plants that received 15.0 g HA plant-1 performed better, followed by 10.0g HA plant-1 and NPK 15-15-15 respectively. However, the differences in the plants that received 5.0g HA plant-1 and 7.5g HA plant-1 were minute.
 Conclusion: It is therefore concluded that 5.0g HA plant-1 should be applied for optimal okra yield.

Twice Applications of Laying Hens Manure Produced the Highest Yield of Organic Okra Pods (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench.)

The optimal okra cultivation using organic fertilizers remains a subject of limited information. This study aimed to assess the impact of applying 18 t.ha-1 of laying hens' organic fertilizer on the morphological and physiological traits of the "Naila IPB" green okra variety. The study was conducted between September and December 2022 at the IPB organic experimental field at Cikarawang, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. A randomized complete block design with a single factor namely frequency of organic fertilizer application, was employed. The factor consisted of four levels: no organic fertilization, 1-, 2-, and 3-times applications. The results demonstrated that a single application of organic fertilizer led to an increase in plant height at 5, 7, and 9 weeks after planting (WAP), leaf number at 5 WAP, root dry weight at 4 WAP, stem dry weight at 10 WAP, and an acceleration in the onset of flowering. This resulted in a flowering period lasting 29.6 days, with a total flowering duration of 69.33 days. In contrast, a two-times application of organic fertilizer resulted in elevated plant height at 11 WAP, an increased leaf number at 11 WAP, heightened leaf potassium content, a greater number of pods per plant, and a higher yield of young pod okra. These findings contribute to our understanding of the effects of organic fertilizer application frequency on the growth and yield of young pod okra, aiding in the formulation of improved cultivation strategies.

Breeding of Okra for Resistance to Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) commonly known as Lady’s finger or Bhendi is most delicious vegetable relished worldwide. The productivity of okra has been low in recent times due to various reasons viz., inadequate use of fertilizers, irrigation and occurrence of various pest and diseases. In India okra crop is highly susceptible to yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) disease probably due to warm tropical climate and intensive crop cultivation which supports the survival of whitefly population round the year. Host plant resistance to virus is one of the most practical, economical and eco-friendly strategies for reducing yield loss in okra. Identification of stable and reliable sources of resistance to viral diseases is an important step in future breeding programme. Understanding the genetics of resistance in donor parent helps in choosing suitable breeding method and attempts should be made to incorporate broad spectrum resistance through gene pyramiding and develop okra varieties with desirable resistance or tolerance to okra YVMV followed by maintenance breeding.

How Does Climate Change Affect Tomato and Okra Production? Evidence from Nigeria.

This study examined the impacts of climate change on okra and tomato yields. Fertilizer consumption and credit to the crop sector were considered as covariates in the analysis. Time-series data, spanning a period of 40 years, were obtained from various sources. An autoregressive distributed lag model was applied to analyze short- and long-term impacts of climate change and agricultural inputs on okra and tomato yields. Not all variables were stationary at levels (order zero), but they were all significant at first difference, indicating the presence of cointegration. The Bound's test F-ratio was statistically significant and implied the presence of long- and short-term relationships among the variables studied. The mean temperatures had negative impacts on okra and tomato yields in both the short and long terms. Credit guaranteed to the crop sector had positive short- and long-term impacts on tomato yield; fertilizer consumption had a negative long-term impact on okra yield. Our study concludes that climate change, particularly rising temperature, impacts herbaceous fruit crop production in Nigeria. Therefore, we recommend that breeding and disseminating climate-smart tomato and okra varieties will help fruit crop farmers respond to rising temperatures.

Heterosis and combining ability estimates for okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> L. Moench) varieties for yield attributing characters in Sudan savanna of Nigeria

Two location trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Maiduguri and screen house of the Faculty of Agriculture during 2018/2019 dry season to estimate the combining ability variance, general combining ability (GCA) effects of parents and specific combining ability (SCA) effects of crosses with six okra genotypes. They include: three improved varieties NHAe 47-4, LD-88, Clemson spineless and three locals, Chalawa, Syria and Sola, crossed in a 3 x 3 line x tester mating design to generate nine F1 hybrids. All the F1s along with their parents were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and Completely Randomise Design (CRD), with 3 replications. Positive heterosis were observed for number of fruits per plant in the crosses Chalawa x NHAe47-4, Chalawa x Clemson Spineless, this directly indicated their important contributions toward total fruit yield in okra. The variance of GCA and SCA revealed that both additive and non-additive gene actions were important in the control of most agronomic.The ratio of GCA/ SCA indicates greater preponderance of non-additive gene action for the characters in all the traits except number of leaves per plant and days to 50% flowering which were controlled by additive gene actions. The parent Syria was the overall best general combiner among the lines for all characters in the field and Chalawa was the overall best general combiner for all characters measured among lines in the screen house. LD88 recorded the highest GCA effects for all of the characters among testers in both experiments. Similarly, in the field, the hybrid Sola x NHAe47-4 recorded the maximum SCA effect for all characters except days to 50% flowering; Syria x NHAe47-4 was the best SCA for most characters except plant height and also the cross between Syria x Clemson Spineless was the best SCA for most characters except number of fruits per plant. In the screen house, the cross between Chalawa x NHAe47-4, showed superior SCA for all characters measured. Appreciable level of heterosis was observed for most of the characters studied, the overall maximum positive significant heterosis for total fruit yield (kg/ha) was observed in crosses Syria x LD88 (52.80) and Chalawa x NHAe47-4(123.30) over better parents. The preponderance of non-additive genetic effect and the tremendous level of heterosis observed among the characters in the parents and their crosses studied would be great asset in choosing the okra varieties for intercrossing and development of hybrids varieties for commercial production of okra.

Performance of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Bioformulation on Germination and Expression of Bioprotective Molecules against Cercosporiosis in Abelmoschus esculentus in the Field

The present study aimed at assessing the performance of the formulation combining Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on germination and induction of the synthesis of bioprotective molecules against pathogens in Abelmoschus esculentus causing cercosporiosis. A significant difference (p = 0.05) was revealed between the formulation (T1) and the control (T0) in the field on the seed germination rate of okra varieties Clemson spineless (V1) (83.3 vs 94.4%; 88.8 vs 100%; 77.7 vs 88.8%) and Hire (V2) (77.7 vs 94.4%; 88.8 vs 100%; 83.3 vs 88.8%) in agroecological areas V, III and IV respectively. The same effect observed on plant health with bioformulation was significant compared with the control in terms of protection against cercosporiosis pathogens. The protection ranges according to treatment and control for the two okra varieties in agroecological areas V, III and IV were 79.24 vs. 86.48%; 100 vs. 100%; 77.76 vs. 91.82% for variety V1 and 88.88 vs. 94.44%; 94.44 vs. 100%; 83.33 vs. 94.44% for variety V2. Gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry revealed an overproduction of bioactive molecules in the hydro-methanolic extracts of okra leaves treated with the formulation, which are responsible for its bioprotection in the three agroecological areas. In conclusion, the use of the Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens formulation on okra crops significantly induced germination and systemic resistance of Abelmoschus esculentus plants against cercosporiosis agents.

Insights into salicylic acid-mediated redox homeostasis, carbohydrate metabolism and secondary metabolite involvement in improvement of photosynthetic performance, enzyme activities, ionomics, and yield in different varieties of Abelmoschus esculentus

Salicylic acid (SA) is a well-known signaling molecule and phenolic plant hormone. However, the optimal concentration of SA required for beneficial effects may vary across different plant species. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of salicylic acid (SA) on two different varieties of Abelmoschus esculentus (Sakata-713 and Neelam) in order to determine the optimal concentration of SA and its impact on the growth, physiology, and biochemical processes of the plants. We conducted an experiment applying different SA concentrations (0, 10−4, 10−5, 10−6, 10−7 M) at 25 days after sowing (DAS) and evaluated various plant parameters at different stages. To evaluate various parameters sampling was performed at 30 and 45 DAS; yield traits were calculated at 60 DAS. The results indicate that SA application increased cell division, trichome number, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, gas exchange traits, and elemental status which further boosted plants growth and yield traits. SA application stimulated activity of several enzymes that participate in carboxylation/decarboxylation homeostasis (carbonic anhydrase), nitrogen metabolism (nitrate reductase), Calvin cycle (Rubisco), TCA cycle (succinate dehydrogenase and fumarase) and secondary metabolism (phenylalanine lyase). A gradual increase in the production of secondary metabolites (total phenol, total flavonoid, anthocyanin) and carbon metabolism (total reducing sugars, starch, glucose, fructose, sucrose) was observed. Notably, SA treatment also played a vital role in maintaining a balanced equilibrium between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the scavenging system (catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase). Based on our results, the optimal concentration of SA was determined to be 10−5 M, as it yielded the most favourable outcomes among the different concentrations tested. Moreover, when comparing the two varieties of okra, Sakata-713 exhibited a more promising response to SA treatment compared to Neelam.

PINCHING EFFECT ON PLANT GROWTH, YIELD, AND QUALITY OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF OKRA

Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench), sometimes known as okra, is a very significant crop that is grown all over the world in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates. (2022; Chauhan et al. Their leaves are long-petiolated, 10–20 cm long, and have five to seven lobes. Flowers are axillary and range in size from 4 to 8 cm in diameter. They produce elongated fruits with a diameter of 1.5 to 3 cm and a length of 10 to 25 cm. (Ali 2022). Okra growth and yield are significantly influenced by pinching technique. (Sahu and Biswal 2020). Early herbage cutting encourages uniform growth, flowering, and seed germination. The "Effect of pinching on plant growth, yield, and quality of different varieties of okra" is the topic of this study. The practice of pinching, which involves the removal of terminal shoot tips, has been explored as a cultural technique to enhance plant growth, yield, and produce quality in different varieties of okra. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of pinching on plant growth parameters, yield components, and the nutritional and sensory quality of various okra varieties. The review encompasses an in-depth analysis of the underlying physiological and morphological changes induced by pinching across different okra varieties. A synthesis of recent studies highlights the potential benefits and limitations of pinching in okra cultivation, considering the variability in results across different varieties and growing conditions. This review article systematically examines the effects of pinching on diverse varieties of okra with a focus on their growth patterns, yield attributes, and final harvest quality.

Genotype sensitivity and adaptability for fruit yield in red and green okra on environmental change

Abstract. Abdillah SM, Syukur M, Suwarno WB, Ritonga AW, Wahyudi A. 2023. Genotype sensitivity and adaptability for fruit yield in red and green okra on environmental change. Biodiversitas 24: 4289-4298. Okra is vegetable plant consumed in immature and beneficial plants of various health. For breeders, this crop had a big chance to develop a high-yield genotype in various conditions. To develop a new variety must be known adaptability and stability in environment tests. This research aimed to evaluate the fruit yield response, sensitivity, and adaptability of okra genotypes in four environment trials. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used in each environment, with ten okra genotypes as the treatment. The AMMI-1, AMMI-2 and GGE biplot was used to illustrate genotype stability and their adaptability. Genotype by environment interaction significantly affected fruit yield, with the environment having a large contribution, with SWR01 being the highest yield. The rate of rainfall and PC1 were explained as 36.98% and 70.17% to the GEI sum of squares, respectively. ‘ZAHIRA’ and ‘GSO03’ showed sensitivities to the rate of rainfall. Genotypes ‘SWR01’ and ‘GSO03’ were the most favorable genotype according to ASV and yield performance across environments The AMMI-1, AMMI-2 and GGE biplot confirmed that both were the most suitable genotype for developing a recent variety of okra in a wide environment.

Quercetin-mediated alteration in photosynthetic efficiency, sugar metabolism, elemental status, yield, and redox potential in two varieties of okra.

Quercetin is a bioactive natural compound with an antioxidative property that can potentially modify plant physiology. The current investigation aimed to gauge the effect of different concentrations of foliar spray of quercetin (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.0 mM) on several morphological and physio-biochemical performances of Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench.) plants under normal environmental conditions. The foliar spray on the plant leaves was applied 25 days after sowing (DAS) and continued up to 30 DAS once each day. The plants were sampled at 30 and 45 DAS to monitor several parameters. The foliar treatments of quercetin significantly upgraded all the studied parameters. The results direct that most of the traits such as growth, nutrient uptake, photosynthetic, and enzyme activities were promoted in a dose-dependent way. Quercetin application lowered the reactive oxygen species (ROS) buildup by increasing the antioxidant enzyme activities. Microscopic investigations further revealed a significant enhancement in the stomatal aperture under quercetin application. Out of several doses tested, 1 mM of quercetin proved best and can be used for further investigations.

Evaluation and improvement of the health status of farmer-saved okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> (L.) Moench) seeds in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Farmer-saved seeds are major plant pathogen carriers, which serve as the primary source of inocula of many diseases leading to massive crop losses. In view of this, laboratory experiments to evaluate seed quality and prevalence of seed-borne fungi of farmer-saved okra seeds in 10 major okra growing communities in the Ashanti region were conducted. Two local okra varieties (Asontem and Asante Aba) were collected from farmers for the laboratory studies. Although the collected seeds were observed to be of high purity, their moisture contents were high. The germination percentage, percentage of normal roots, field emergence and establishment of seedlings derived from okra seeds were also low. The study moreover showed high total seed-borne fungi infection. Health testing of the okra seeds revealed the presence of eight seed-borne fungi namely Fusarium sp., Colletotrichum sp., Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Rhizopus sp., Mucor sp., Penicillium sp. and Curvularia sp. Seeds of Asante Aba variety showed good quality characteristics over seeds of Asontem. Seeds of the two varieties placed in airtight plastic containers stored better than seeds placed in insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Treatment of okra seeds with Dresscare and Senna siamea wood ash resulted in a lower incidence of seed-borne fungi and better seed quality characteristics. Treating okra seeds with Dresscare and Senna siamea wood ash and storing in airtight plastic containers is therefore recommended.

Morpho-agronomic variability of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] genotypes in Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia.

A total of 21 okra genotypes were evaluated for 25 morpho-agronomic traits in 2020 at Dire Dawa, Ethiopia in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance showed significant differences at p<0.05 level of significance for all traits. Estimates of genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic (PCV) coefficients of variation range from 9.16 to 42.3% and 9.33 to 44.16%, respectively. Heritability in a broad sense (H2) and genetic advance as a percent of the mean (GAM) ranged from 29.57 to 91.89% and 10.39 to 83.53%, respectively. Estimated variability components (GCV, PCV, H2, and GAM) were high and moderate for all traits except days to 50% emergence 9.33% of GCV and PCV, internode length 9.16% of GCV and green fruit width 29.57% of H2 that were categorized under low. The first four principal component axes (PCA1 to PCA4) accounted for 7.83 to 35.02%, which accounted 74.56% of the total variability with eigenvalues that ranged from 1.95 to 8.75. Genetic distances estimated by Euclidean distance from the 25 traits ranged from 2.33 to 12.56 with a mean of 6.83, standard deviation of 1.8, and a coefficient of variation of 26.46%. The genotypes were grouped into four distinct clusters using the Euclidean distance matrix using UPGMA. Indigenous okra genotypes collected from Ethiopia were more divergent with high genetic distances and had a higher performance for most of the traits including growth, green fruit yield, and seed yield than introduced genotypes. In conclusion, this study showed the presence of variation among genotypes for most of the traits, indicating that selection of genotypes could be effective to develop okra varieties with high green fruit and seed yield through direct selection or crossing.

Spectrum of chlorophyll mutations and morphological variations in Abelmoschus esculentus L. induced through gamma radiation

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench], is an economically exploited important traditional vegetable crop of the world. The present investigation examined the variability in induced chlorophyll mutants and othermorphological variations in okra. Seeds of two open pollinated popular varieties of okra namely Arka Anamika and Arka Abhay were irradiated with gamma doses of 30, 50 and 80 kR. The treatment 50 kR enhanced plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, single fruit weight and total fruit yield per plant. Spectrum of several chlorophyll mutants were observed in the M1 generation. Other macro-mutants such as early and late flowering types, dwarf statured plants, leaf and flower mutants were also noticed at different doses of gamma radiation. The total number of visible mutation followed a trend of increasing frequency with the increase in dose of radiation.

Gene exchange and dissection of genetic character associations among Okra

Gene exchange and hybridization of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] are important for the development and utilization of new varieties. To study the existing diversity in attributes of okra germplasm and their potential for successful hybridization. The modes of inheritance of leaf shape, stem color, stem pubescence, leaf pubescence, petiole color, leaf color, fruit color, and fruit pubescence were studied to evaluate the possibility of gene exchange among okra varieties. Five okra varieties were characterized using morphological descriptors and parent plants were hybridized in all combinations. The parents, the F1 and F2 plants grown in the field were evaluated for growth and yield-related factors. The qualitative descriptors leaf shape and pubescence, presence, or absence of, anthocyanin in the leaf and stem, and chlorophyll intensity in leaves which are distinct contrasting characters were used for the mode of inheritance. Data collected based on the descriptors were analyzed for variance among parents and hybrid progeny. A chi-squared test was performed to determine the goodness of fit to the expected ratios in the F2 generation. There is significant variation (p<0.05) between parents and their crosses for vegetative growth and yield. All hybrids are elite as they started fruiting early. Most of the crosses performed better than their parents for growth and fruit-related characters. All qualitative characters in the F2 generation were monogenically controlled. Patterns of segregation in the F2 generation was statistically consistent with ratios of 3:1, 1:1 and 1:2:1, indicating that they are controlled by a single gene with complete (3:1 phenotypic ratio) and incomplete (1:2:1 phenotypic ratio) dominance. The gene exchange and mode of inheritance of characters among segregating generations provide information on which selection can be made to improve okra.

Performance of Promising Okra Varieties and Fertilizers under Fruit Tree Based Agroforestry Systems

Performance of Promising Okra Varieties and Fertilizers under Fruit Tree Based Agroforestry Systems

Effect of postharvest application of plant powders on physical quality and shelf life of okra during storage in Makurdi

The effect of postharvest application of plant leaf powders on the physical quality and shelf life of okra fruits during Storage in Makurdi was determined. Moringa and Neem leaf powders were used to coat the okra fruits, which were then kept at room temperature. The experiment was a 2 x 3 factorial combination of treatments, fitted in a completely randomized design, and replicated thrice. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT statistical package, and Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (F-LSD) at a 5% level of probability to separate the means. Results revealed that plant leaf powders of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Moringa oleifera have the ability to enhance the shelf life and maintain the physicochemical quality of okra fruits under storage. These powders also have the potential to be antifungal. Among the okra varieties studied, Clemson spineless gave better physical quality as compared to stubby okra thus the shelf life during storage. Treated okra shelf life extended to day 15 whereas the untreated fruits ranged from 1 - 7 days. These botanicals offer alternatives for maintaining crop management and postharvest physiology in addition to being safe for consumers, inexpensive, easy to create, and easy to apply formulations. It is therefore recommended the use of plant leaf powders particularly M. oleifera for the storage of okra fruits in Makurdi.

The genome of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) provides insights into its genome evolution and high nutrient content.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an important vegetable crop with high nutritional value. However, the mechanism underlying its high nutrient content remains poorly understood. Here, we present a chromosome-scale genome of okra with a size of 1.19Gb. Comparative genomics analysis revealed the phylogenetic status of A. esculentus, as well as whole-genome duplication (WGD) events that have occurred widely across the Malvaceae species. We found that okra has experienced three additional WGDs compared with the diploid cotton Gossypium raimondii, resulting in a large chromosome number (2n = 130). After three WGDs, okra has undergone extensive genomic deletions and retained substantial numbers of genes related to secondary metabolite biosynthesis and environmental adaptation, resulting in significant differences between okra and G. raimondii in the gene families related to cellulose synthesis. Combining transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis, we revealed the relationship between gene expression and metabolite content change across different okra developmental stages. Furthermore, the sinapic acid/S-lignin biosynthesis-related gene families have experienced remarkable expansion in okra, and the expression of key enzymes involved in the sinapic acid/S-lignin biosynthesis pathway vary greatly across developmental periods, which partially explains the differences in metabolite content across the different stages. Our study gains insights into the comprehensive evolutionary history of Malvaceae species and the genetic basis that underlies the nutrient content changes in okra, which will facilitate the functional study and genetic improvement of okra varieties.

Effect of Source and Rate of Livestock Manure on Yield, Quality and Net Economic Benefit of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.)

Okra farmers use inorganic fertilizers which are expensive, they result to water pollution, increases the soil acidity, which affects soil nutrients availability and uptake as well as reducing microbial activity. Organic manure improves soil physical, chemical and biological properties, and are environmental friendly. However, farmers have limited information on the utilization of these organic manure sources on growth yield, quality and net economic benefit of okra. A study was conducted to determine the effects of rate cattle, goat and poultry manure on okra growth, yield, quality and net economic benefit at KALRO-Kandara Centre in Murang’a County between 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications for two cultivations. There were 10 treatments, i.e., 0, 3, 6 and 7 tonne ha-1 for cattle and goat manure, and 0, 3, 5 and 7 tonnes ha-1 poultry manure that were applied before planting okra variety Pusa Sawani. Data collected included yield characteristics total fresh pod yield and quality characteristics mainly total soluble solids (TSS). Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance using SAS statistical software version 9.4 and significantly different means were separated using LSD at α = 0.05. The results showed that there was significant effect of treatments (p &lt; 0.05) on yield, quality and net economic benefit of okra. Poultry manure at the rate of 5t ha-1 recorded highest yield while control had the least. Goat manure at the rate of 6 tonnes ha-1 recorded the highest total soluble solids, hence, produced pods of the highest quality of 3.18°Brix and 3.21°Brix for Trial 1 and Trial 2, respectively, whereas the control produced pods of lowest quality of 2.31°Brix and 2.34°Brix for Trial 1 and Trial 2, respectively. Cattle manure at the rate of 6 tonnes ha-1 recorded the best net economic benefit of Ksh. 700,267 in Trial 1 and Ksh. 694,320 in Trial 2, while the control gave minimal returns of Ksh. 69,158 in Trial 1 and Ksh. 64,320 in Trial 2. This indicates an increase of net economic benefit of Ksh. 631,109 in Trial 1 and Ksh. 630,000 in Trial 2 for cattle manure compared to the control. The results of this study clearly indicate that in okra production, application of different types of animal organic manure can improve the productivity of the okra. The study recommends application of 5 tonnes ha-1 poultry manure, or 6 tonnes ha-1 of goat or cattle manure for best growth, yield, quality and net economic benefit of okra.

New Fertilization Approach Improves Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Moench) Production on Acidic and Degraded Soil in Cameroon

Soil acidity, combined with high aluminum toxicity, is one of the major problems limiting agricultural productivity. The objective of this work was to improve growth and yields of okra on acidic and degraded soil in the Center region, Cameroon, using an innovative fertilization approach and lime material. The soil is ferralitic, very acidic, with aluminum toxicity and significant imbalance in the (Ca/Mg/K) ratio of (55/15/30). Seven fertilization treatments were applied: Control without fertilizer; arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF); AMF+50% poultry manure (AMF+½ PM); mineral fertilizers with cation balance at 100% (MF100 %); AMF+50% mineral fertilizers (AMF+50 % MF); poultry manure at 50%+50 % mineral fertilizers (MF50%+½ PM) and poultry manure (PM). Two varieties of okra were used (Kirikou F1 and Local). The experimental design was a split-plot with two factors. Considering MF, an innovative Ca/Mg/K ratio of 68/23/9 was applied. The results showed that the applied fertilizers had a significant effect on the agronomic parameters of okra with MF50%+½ PM followed by PM and MF100% as the best treatments. An average increase in fresh yield from 111% to 1840% over the control was recorded and the best symbiotic parameters were observed at the AMF treatment associated with the Local variety. This variety responds better to organic matter intake while Kirikou F1 is more favorable to chemical fertilizer addition.

Evaluation of Fertilizer-manure Blocks as a Slow Release Fertilizer Formulation for Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

Background: Fertilizer use efficiency is the output of any crop per unit of the nutrient applied under a specified set of soil and climatic conditions and slow/ ccontrolled release fertilizer formulations offer agricultural producers the opportunity to increase fertilizer/nutrient use efficiency, especially in soils with very low cation exchange capacity. Methods: In pot culture study, fertilizer-manure blocks consisting of selected proportions of different organic manures and fertilizers were prepared in two dimensions (100 g and 25 g) with three different dosages of fertilizers (100% POP, 50% POP, 25% POP) and were evaluated in a pot culture experiment using Okra variety Arka Anamika. Result: Fertilizer-manure blocks showed significant effect on growth and yield of okra. The use of fertilizer-manure blocks of proportion; Coirpith-35%, Cowdung-25%, Vermicompost-13%, Groundnutcake-10%, Neem cake 10%, Zeolite-2%, Humic acid-5%, 100 g size containing 25% of the recommended dose of nutrients placed 5cm below the level of planting and top dressing of 50% of KAU POP recommendation was identified as the best treatment (B:C ratio-1.26 and nutrient use efficiency-28.12) for enhancing the productivity of okra in grow bags. Days to flowering, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, length of fruits, girth of fruits and number of seeds per fruit were significantly influenced by the treatments. The selected treatment had recorded highest value for number of fruits per plant (20.70), fruit yield per plant (457.9 g), fruit length(17.90 cm), fruit girth (6.326 cm) as well as number of seeds per fruit (58.67). The general application of the recommended fertilizers and soil test based recommendation were found to be on par with the placement of slow release fertilizer- manure blocks with respect to fruit yield per plant.