Yield Of Okra Research Articles

Effect of Azotobacter and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria on growth and yield of okra

A greenhouse experiment was conducted in Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur during 2017-18 with the objective to envisage the growth and yield of okra as affected by the application of bioinoculants, vermicompost as against recommended chemical fertilizers. The experiment waslaid out in complete randomized design with six treatments and four replications. Treatments consisting of T1 100% NPK, T2 100% NPK+Vermicompost, T3-75%NPK+Vermicompost+PSB, T4-75%NPK+Vermicompost+Azotob acter, T5-75%NPK+Vermicompost+Azotobacter+PSB and T6-50% NPK+Vermicompost+Azotobacter+PSB. The results showed that the application of Azotobacter + PSB along with vermicompost and 75 % NPK produced significantly maximum growth attributes viz. plant height at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest, number of leaves perplant, chlorophyll content and yield and yield attributes like (Number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit weight,fruit yield plant−1) as compared to other treatments but remained at par with Azotobacter + PSB along withvermicompost and 50% NPK. Both the treatments showed superior effect on okra over rest of the treatments.Similarly, results also showed that application of vermicompost (T2) significantly increased the growth and yield parameters as compared to only inorganic treatment (T1). The significantly highest total yield (537.34 g and 518.58g) was recorded in treatment T5 and T6 which proved the best treatment combination in comparisonto other treatments. From the present investigation and with the cost–effective point of view it can be inferredthat an application of 50% NPK + vermicompost + Azotobacter + PSB observed to be beneficial in enhancing vegetative growth and increasing yield of okra.

Effect of Sewage Water Irrigation Frequency on Growth, Yield and Heavy Metals Accumulation of Tomato and Okra

Effect of Sewage Water Irrigation Frequency on Growth, Yield and Heavy Metals Accumulation of Tomato and Okra

Biochemical Treatment and Utilization of Fecal Wastewater

In order to treat and utilize urban fecal wastewater more effectively, a process for biochemical treatment of fecal wastewater from urban settlements was established in this study. After treating the fecal wastewater collected, solid and liquid organic fertilizers can be obtained. Compared to the commercially available urea, the solid organic fertilizer can increase the yield of okra by 12.89% at podding stage, while the liquid organic fertilizer can prolong the flowering period of Chinese orchid by 3 - 4 days compared to the untreated urine. Gases generated by various processing units are all collected to the biological deodorization system for treatment, which have no significant odor after treating through the system. The water outlet from the water reclamation system meets the national quality standards for urban miscellaneous water under urban wastewater reclamation and reuse.

Impact of Foliar Application of Boron and Zinc on Growth, Quality and Seed Yield of Okra

The experiment was carried out in the field of Horticulture Research Centre (HRC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur to evaluate the effect of foliar application of boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on growth, yield attributes, quality and seed yield of okra. The experiment was planned with 16 treatment combinations comprising four levels each of B (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% borax, respectively) and Zn (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% zinc sulphate, respectively) along with the blanket dose of fertilizers of N, P, K, S and cow dung at 120, 40, 80, 20 and 10000 kg ha-1, respectively were used in all treatments. The two factor experiment was laid out in the randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that the foliar application of boron and zinc either single or in combination had significant effect on yield, yield attributes and quality of okra seed. Most of the yield attributes of okra were significantly increased by the combined foliar application of borax and zinc sulphate up to 0.2% borax and 0.2% zinc sulphate. The highest seed yield (2.52 t ha-1) was obtained from the treatment combination of 0.2% borax and 0.2% zinc sulphate followed by the treatment combination of 0.2% borax and 0.3% zinc sulphate. The highest oil content (16%) in seed was also produced from the same treatment (0.2% borax and 0.2% zinc sulphate). The improved protein content (17.75%) was found in combination of 0.1% borax and 0.3% zinc sulphate. The combined foliar applications of zinc and boron fertilizers were detected superior to their single application. The results suggest that the combination of 0.2% borax and 0.2% zinc sulphate could be used as foliar for seed yield maximization of okra. Hence, the foliar fertilization rates of zinc sulphate should be increased for okra production.

Nitrogen management in okra through neem coated urea

A two-year investigation was carried out to examine the effect of nitrogen on growth and yield of okra with fourteen treatments containing different combinations of organic (vermicompost and farm yard manure) and inorganic (urea and neem coated urea) sources of nitrogen replicated thrice at Vegetable Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand in summer seasons of year 2016 and 2017. Observations for plant height, stem diameter, per plant number of leaves, primary branches and nodes at 45 days after sowing (DAS), leaf area at 60 DAS, green pod length and diameter, average weight of green pod, number of green pods and green pod yield plant-1 were recorded. The findings revealed that among all others, treatments T10 (Recommended dose of nitrogen, RDN- 100% through neem coated urea + 2.5 t ha-1 vermicompost) and T6 (RDN- 75% through neem coated urea + 25% through vermicompost) were found best with respect to improvement in plant growthand yield characters. The highest number and yield of green pods per plant were recorded under treatments T6 (25.8 and 293.3 g plant-1) and T10 (23.3 and 294.7 g plant-1) as compared to other treatments. Hence, it can be concluded that application of neem coated urea along with vermicompost could be recommended for obtaining higher yield of okra in summer season under lowland regions of India.

A comparative evaluation of effect of carbofuran 5G, chlorpyrifos 20Ec and chilli pepper aqueous extract on the growth, fruit yield and control of Podagrica uniformis of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. moench) in Enugu, Southeastern Nigeria

A field experiment to comparatively evaluate the effect of carbofuran 5G, chlorpyrifos 20Ec and chilli pepper aqueous extract on the growth, yield and control of insect pest of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, southeastern Nigeria during the 2017 rainy season between the months of April and October. The experimental design was randomized complete block (RCB) with four (4) treatments replicated five (5) times. Parameters assessed were plant height(cm), number of feeding holes created by leaf beetles (Podagrica uniformis) per plant, number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, leaf area index and fruit yield (t ha-1). The result of the experiment showed a significant (p<0.05) treatment effect on all the parameters measured/assessed except leaf area index. Plots treated with carbofuran 5G recorded highest on all the parameters assessed except number of feeding holes created by P.uniformis per plant as follows; mean plant height of 45.45 cm, mean number of 4.20 fruits per plant, mean leaf area index of 4.18, mean number of 48.60 feeding holes created by Podagrica per plant and mean fruit yield of 1.79 t ha-1.The efficacy of Chilli pepper aqueous extract (bio-insecticide) in the control of a major insect pest (Podagrica uniformis), growth and yield of okra did not significantly differ from that of chlorpyrifos 20Ec (Synthetic insecticide), the use of Chilli pepper aqueous extract to okra producers in Enugu area is therefore recommend as a better substitute to synthetic insecticide.

Effects of different fertilizers on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in summer season in Chitwan, Nepal

An experiment was conducted in the Horticulture Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University to demonstrate the effects of different fertilizers on the yield and yield parameters of okra (var. Arka Anamika). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of seven treatments and three replications. The various treatments used in the experiment were goat manure, sesame cake, mustard cake, synthetic fertilizer (NPK), poultry manure, vermicompost and untreated control. The required dose of nitrogen was fulfilled by the fertilizer itself whereas insufficient amount of phosphorous and potassium was fulfilled by addition of single super phosphate and muriate of potash respectively. The fertilizers were applied on the basis of recommendation given by the Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC). The effect of poultry manure on number of open flowers and number of fruits at 40 DAS was found superior. The effect of poultry manure on plant height, number of leaves, plant diameter was found superior at 50 DAS. Goat manure produced the superior result on number of open flowers at 50 DAS. Poultry manure on the number of leaves and plant height produced the significant result at 60 DAS. Synthetic fertilizer responded well to number of fruits at 60 DAS. Sesame cake produced the superior results at 70 DAS on number of buds. Poultry manure responded well to all the parameters and produced the yield of 200 qt./ha with the BC ratio of 1.77. This experiment suggests the farmers to use the poultry manure to get the highest economic return. Vermicompost and mustard cake producing the superior and significant yield in this research are not recommended as they have low BC ratio unless effective measures are encouraged to reduce the cost of this fertilizers.

Determination, residue analysis, risk assessment and processing factors of tebufenozide in okra fruits under field conditions.

Ensuring the yield, quality, and profitability of okra by preventing and controlling pests with the application of insecticides has increased in the last decade. Some insecticide residues might remain in edible parts of okra (fruits) and lead to several potential human health problems. Therefore, research on the residue behaviour, risk assessment and removal approach of insecticides on okra fruits is important for food safety, together with the proper application and residual elimination of insecticides in okra. A simple liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was established and validated for determining the tebufenozide residues in okra fruits. The recoveries of tebufenozide in okra fruits were >72% with relative standard deviations of 0.6 to 6.1%. The dissipation rates of tebufenozide were different in okra fruits cultivated under open land and glasshouse field conditions because of the discriminating humidity and temperature conditions. The dietary intake of the tebufenozide residues from okra fruit consumption for Chinese consumers was fairly low, with approximately no potential health risk. The processing factor values of washing, blanching, washing + blanching and soaking were all less than one, which indicated that these processes could effectively reduce the residual hydrazide in the okra fruit. The developed method for analysing tebufenozide in okra fruits was applicable for field studies on this insecticide. The potential health risk of tebufenozide in okra fruits could be negligible to the health of different age groups of Chinese consumers. The soaking process effectively removed tebufenozide residues from okra fruits. The obtained data will help Chinese governments establish a maximum residue limit of tebufenozide in okra and provide data for the risk assessment and removal of tebufenozide in other crops. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Efficacy of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Lambda-cyhalothrin on Insect Pest Infestation and Performance of Okra in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Okra, an economically important vegetable crop with numerous benefits to human, is often attacked by large number of insect species. These insect species cause direct damage to okra plants and also serve as vectors of diseases resulting in economic loss. Control of these insect pests given reducing hunger and poverty, and fostering agricultural ecosystems becomes imperative. This study aimed at the use of indigenous medicinal plant and a sub-lethal dose of synthetic insecticide to check the invasion of pests and performance of okra. The field laid in a randomized complete block design of four treatments replicated three times. The treatments included; Curcuma longa 5%, Curcuma longa 20%, lambda-cyhalothrin, and a control. Data were collected on insect pest species recovered after treatment application and yield of okra. All data were subjected to analysis of variance and differences between the treatment means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test. C. longa (20%) compared effectively with the sub-lethal dose of lambdacyhalothin (0.5 ml/l) in their attack against the targeted pests. Although higher number and weight of pods were harvested from synthetically treated plots, the C. longa treated plots produced significantly higher number and weight of harvested pods when compared with untreated plots. Water extract of the rhizomes also conferred some protection against okra pests; we recommend that farmers in Ekiti State adopt this botanical against the notorious flea beetles especially when the profits accrue from okra sales outweigh their net investment.

Hormonal Response of Gibberellin (Ga3), Grafting and Seasonal Variations on Growth and Yield Parameters on Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus)

The effect of Gibberellin Hormonal Response and Grafting methods on the Growth and Yield of Okra was investigated, with the aim of inducing variability that could be exploited in the improvement of some quality traits in Okra plants. Gibberellin, grafting and a combination of grafting with Gibberellin) were applied on to the Okra seeds. The seeds of Okra were treated at four different concentrations of Gibberellin (0.1mM, 1.0 mM, 2.0 mM and 0.0 mM as control) after which some of the mutants were grafted using tongue grafting method at seedlings stage. The other set of seeds were not treated with the hormone but were grafted at seedlings stage. The results obtained revealed highly significant difference (P≤ 0.01) in the effects of Gibberellin on survival rates, number of fruits, and fruit weight. Similarly, highly significant differences (P≤0.01) were found between the treatments in Survival rate, except on the number of fruits and fruit weight, where no significant differences exist. More so, significant differences were found in the traits between the seasons except in fruit number. The result showed that Gibberellin and grafting improve important quality traits of Okra. The mutants and grafted Okra could be grown both during the rainy and dry seasons, while 0.1 mM concentration of Gibberellin and grafting improve some important quality traits of Okra that could be utilized for further improvement of Okra. However, the response of Okra to grafting was higher. Based on the findings, the study concluded that, grafting improves some important quality traits of Okra that are of high economic value and possible recommendations that could be made.

Effects of Crop Bio-life on Growth and Yield of Wild Okra (Corchorus olitorious L.) in a Sub-tropical Environment

Crop bio-life is used as a foliar spray to enhance the symbiotic effect between roots and soil micro-organisms enabling the plant to better assimilate nutrients essential for growth. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of crop bio-life on growth, yield and quality of wild okra. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The experiment consisted of four treatments. The treatments were different crop bio-life concentrations of 0, 25, 50 and 75 ppm. The highest plant height (103.5 cm) was obtained in plants treated with 25 ppm crop bio-life and the lowest plant height (91.2 cm) was in plants treated with 75 ppm crop bio-life. Plants with the highest chlorophyll content (29.08 µmol per m2) were those treated with 50 ppm crop bio-life while the lowest (18.6 µmol per m2) was 0 ppm treatment. The highest wild okra yield of 22.3 g leaf wet mass was obtained in plants treated with 25 ppm crop bio-life and the lowest yield (12.9 g) obtained from plants applied with 75 ppm crop bio-life. From the results of this study, it was observed that the plants treated with 25 ppm crop bio-life grew better and had a higher yield, therefore, it is the treatment recommended to farmers.

Hormonal Response of Gibberellin (Ga3), Grafting and Seasonal Variations on Growth and Yield Parameters on Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus)

The effect of Gibberellin Hormonal Response and Grafting methods on the Growth and Yield of Okra was investigated, with the aim of inducing variability that could be exploited in the improvement of some quality traits in Okra plants. Gibberellin, grafting and a combination of grafting with Gibberellin) were applied on to the Okra seeds. The seeds of Okra were treated at four different concentrations of Gibberellin (0.1mM, 1.0 mM, 2.0 mM and 0.0 mM as control) after which some of the mutants were grafted using tongue grafting method at seedlings stage. The other set of seeds were not treated with the hormone but were grafted at seedlings stage. The results obtained revealed highly significant difference (P≤ 0.01) in the effects of Gibberellin on survival rates, number of fruits, and fruit weight. Similarly, highly significant differences (P≤0.01) were found between the treatments in Survival rate, except on the number of fruits and fruit weight, where no significant differences exist. More so, significant differences were found in the traits between the seasons except in fruit number. The result showed that Gibberellin and grafting improve important quality traits of Okra. The mutants and grafted Okra could be grown both during the rainy and dry seasons, while 0.1 mM concentration of Gibberellin and grafting improve some important quality traits of Okra that could be utilized for further improvement of Okra. However, the response of Okra to grafting was higher. Based on the findings, the study concluded that, grafting improves some important quality traits of Okra that are of high economic value and possible recommendations that could be made.

Traits associated with pod yield, seed Fe, and Zn contents in Okra landraces: a path analysis

ABSTRACT Micronutrient malnourishment is a problem in developing countries, most especially among women and preschool children. Breeding okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench] for high seed contents of micronutrients in a high pod yielding background may contribute to correcting this problem. This requires evaluating micronutrients association with agro-morphological and seed elemental traits. Field evaluations were conducted with 20 okra landraces during 2016 and 2017 at Abeokuta, Nigeria. Genotypic correlation, regression and path analyses were performed to determine key driving traits of high pod yield, and seed iron and zinc contents. There were significant differences in landraces in the agronomic and nutritional traits. Correlation analysis indicated a positive, significant, relationship between plant height at flowering and maturity, and number of seed per pod with pod yield. Regression analysis indicated number of pods per plant was the most important trait for pod yield improvement as it retained the highest coefficient of determination. Path analysis identified tall plants with more pods be used for improvement of pod yield. Heavier seed should be used for improvement of seed iron content, seed magnesium and potassium contents should be targeted to achieve seed zinc content improvement. Plant height and number of pods per plant should be focused on in improvement of pod yield in okra. The 100-seed weight could serve as a major selection criterion to achieve increased seed iron content. Determination of other yield-related, and nutritional, traits might provide additional insight into improving pod yield and seed elemental minerals in okra.

Response growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus l.) to giving dosage levels of chicken manure and variation of plants spacing

This research was aimed to the response of dosage of chicken manure and variation of plants spacing on the growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). This research was conducted from December 2018 until March 2019 in the Experimental Garden of Indonesia Vegetables Research Institute, Situ Gadung, Tangerang, Banten. This research used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with two factors, the first factor was a dosage of chicken manure consisting of three levels P1 (25 ton/ha), P2 (30 ton/ha), and P3 (35 ton/ha) and the second factor was variation of plants spacing consisting of three levels J1 (40 cm x 50 cm), J2 (50 cm x 50 cm), and J3 (60 cm x 50 cm). The results showed that treatment of 35 ton/ha chicken manure (P3) had the best effect at plant height (24.89 cm) and number of leaves (7.59 leaf) on 30 days after planting, number of flowers (10.48 flowers) and number of fruits per plant (10.00 fruits) on 80 days after planting, number of fruits per plot (154.44 fruits) and mass of fruits per plot (4.02 ton/ha) on 90 days after planting, and mass of fruits per plant (4.64 ton/ha) on 100 days after planting. The variation of plants spacing had the best effect to number of fruits per plot (114.67 fruits) on 80 days after planting and mass of fruits per plot (1.9 ton/ha) on 70 days after planting. There was interaction between dosage of chicken manure and variation of plants spacing at number of leaves on 30 days after planting, number of flowers on 70, 80, and 100 days after planting, number of fruits per plant on 50, 70, 80, and 100 days after planting, number of fruits per plot on 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 days after planting.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield parameters of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) cv. Arka Anamika

The present study was carried out to examine the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield parameters of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, U.P. during the year 2018. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments involved in the study were eight in numbers i.e. T1 Control (no fertilizers), T2 (125 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 + 60 kg K2O /ha), T3 (100 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 + 48 kg K2O + 5 t FYM /ha) T4 (100 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 + 48 kg K2O + 12 q VC /ha), T5 (75 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 + 36 kg K2O + 10 t FYM /ha), T6 (75 kg N +30 kg P2O5 + 36 kg K2O + 24 q VC /ha), T7 (25 t FYM /ha), T8 (60 q VC /ha). All variable parameters regarding vegetative and reproductive parameters of okra were significantly influenced by integrated nutrient management practices. Soil of the experimental field was sandy loam and neutral in pH reaction. The present investigation clearly indicate that the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers i.e. T6 (75 kg N +30 kg P2O5 + 36 kg K2O + 24 q VC /ha) had the better effect on growth and yield parameters viz., plant height (129.11 cm), number of nodes on main stem (19.23), fresh weight of plant (351.13 g), dry weight of plant (72.12 g), number of pods per plant (16.13), length of pod (15.80 cm) and yield (134.14 q /ha) as compared to other treatments in case of okra cv. Arka Anamika under Western Uttar Pradesh conditions. On the basis of present investigation, it may be concluded that an integrated use of organic manure with chemical fertilizer increased the growth and yield of okra than that of sole application of either chemical fertilizer or organic manures.

Effect of foliar application of moringa (<i>Moringa oleifera</i>) leaf extract with recommended fertilizer on growth and yield of okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i>)

A field experiment was carried out at the Crop farm of Eastern University, Sri Lanka during the period June 2018 to September 2018 to study the effects of different concentrations and frequencies of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Extract (MLE) as a foliar application on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants. This experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates with the following treatments; T0 – control (Distilled water), T1 – 10% MLE at once a week interval, T2 – 10% MLE at once in two weeks interval, T3 – 20% MLE at once a week interval, T4 – 20% MLE at once in two weeks interval, T5 – 30% MLE at once a week interval and T6 – 30% MLE at once in two weeks interval. Foliar application of MLE was initiated at two weeks after germination and each plant is sprayed with 25 ml of MLE and the growth performance was recorded at 4, 6 and 7 WAP. The results showed that foliar application of MLE had a significant (p < 0.05) effects on tested parameters of okra over the control at all growth stages. MLE with 10% of the foliar application at once a week interval increased plant height, number of branches/plant, number of leaves/plant, leaf area index, dry weight of leaves, stems, roots, total biomass, number of pods/ha and dry weight of pods. The results suggest that under the conditions in the experiment, yield could be increased by three-fold using MLE at 10%. The use of Moringa leaf extract as a plant growth booster is inexpensive, environmentally safe and low-cost technology to improve the yields by the small farmers.

Effects of seed bed types and weed control methods on the vegetative parameters of long cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutesens L)

Effects of seed bed types and weed control methods on the vegetative parameters of long cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutesens L)

Response of Bio-priming in okra for vegetable production

The field experiment was conducted at District Seed Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal in summer season of 2011 and 2012. Pre-sowing bio-priming was done with Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens with an un-primed control to assess the trend of okra varieties viz., Lalu, Arka Anamika, Ramya, Satsira, Lady Luck,Debpusa Jhar,Japani Jhar and Barsha Laxmi due to bio-priming of seeds towards vegetable production Significant variation among the varieties was noted for all the characters studied. Okra variety Lalu gave highest vegetable yield per plant in both years and it was statistically at par with Arka Anamika. Vegetable yield per plant was increased by 4.33 to 20.08% in first year and 3.68 to 19.60% in second year with T. viride as compared to P. fluorescens and un-primed control. Individual varieties indicated that vegetable yield per plant was maximum with Lalu when priming was made with both the bio-inoculants followed by Arka Anamika during both years. Hence, Lalu and Arka Anamika may be recommended for experimental region for higher yield and pre-sowing seed bio-priming may be recommended with both T.viride and P. fluorescens for enhanced vegetable yield of okra.

Evaluation of anthocorid predator, Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius against spider mite,Tetranychus urticae Koch on Okra under insect net cage condition

The present study deals with the evaluation of anthocorid bug, Blaptostethus pallescens Poppius against Tetranychus urticae Koch on okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus L.), conducted in Karif season (June-August) during 2013-2015 in the net cage condition at Entomological Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The 6-7 days old nymphs of B. pallescens @ 10, 20 and 30 nymphs/m 2 were released at weekly interval on the mite infested plants and these were compared with chemical control (Omite @ 300ml/acre at 10 days interval) and untreated control. The releases of predators and acaricidal spray on okra were found better than control in suppressing the population of T. urticae . The release of B. pallescens @ 30 nymphs/m 2 was found most effective with a 75.86 to 81.20 per cent reduction of mite population over control. It was statistically at par with chemical control, where 84.04 to 91.66 per cent reduction of mite population over control was recorded. There was no significant difference observed in the reduction of mite population of the plots released with 20 and 10 nymphs/m 2 of B. pallescens . The yield of okra from the plots of chemical control was recorded highest (52.70 q/acre), followed by 45.05 q/acre from the plots released with a B. pallescens @ 30 nymphs/m 2 at seven days interval. The study concluded that, integrating predator, B. pallescens @ 30 nymphs/plant along with acaricide (Omite 300 ml/acre) as a component of IPM for the management of two-spotted spider mite, T. urticae on okra under net house conditions.

Seed primig and foliar application of plant growth regulators affect the growth and yield of okra under calcareous soils

A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different plant growth regulators (PGRs) applied through seed priming and foliar spray on growth and yield of three okra cultivars grown under calcareous soils. The cultivars of Punjab Selection and Sabzpari produced significantly higher number of branches and leaves per plant, pod length and diameter and pod yield as compared to cv. Green ferry, while, cv. Punjab selection produced significantly greater number of flowers and pods per plant as compared to other two cultivars. Seed germination (%), plant height, and fruit set (%) were not affected by the cultivars. Among the PGR treatments, seed primed with GA3 resulted in significantly higher germination percentage and greater plant height at flowering. Seed priming and foliar spray with NAA and GA3 were effective in increasing the final plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, number of flowers and number of pods per plant and fruit set (%), fresh weight per pod and pod yield. However, pod diameter, pod moisture content and dry weight per pod were not influenced by the PGR treatments applied. These results suggested that the PGRs have great potential to improve seed germination, enhance growth and increase yield of okra cultivars under calcareous soils.