Response of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) to intra-row spacing in Makurdi, Nigeria
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: Field experiments were conducted from June to August, during the years 2008 and 2009 planting seasons at the University of Agriculture Research Farm Makurdi, Nigeria, to evaluate the response of 'NH47-4' variety of okra to different intra-row spacing and to determine the optimal intra-row spacing that would maximize yield under Makurdi conditions.The treatments consisted of three intra-row spacing (30 cm, 25 cm and 20 cm), replicated four times in a randomized complete block design.Results of the study showed that while the tallest okra height was produced from the intra-row spacing of 25 cm, the number of branches per plant, leaf area, pod length, pod diameter, number of pods per plant, pod weight and yield decreased as intra-row spacing reduced.The greatest yield was obtained from the intra-row spacing of 30 cm.The yield produced from the intra-row spacing of 30 cm was significantly (P<0.05)greater by 21.9 % and 8.9 % respectively, in the year 2008 and 2009 compared to that obtained from the intra-row spacing of 25 cm and by 34.4 % and 12.5 % respectively, in the year 2008 and 2009 compared to that produced from the intra-row spacing of 20 cm.The implication of this study showed that to maximize okra yield for variety 'NH47-4', the optimal intra-row spacing was found to be 30 cm and could therefore be recommended for Makurdi location, Nigeria.
Authors: M. Ijoyah, P. Unah, F. Fanen
Institution: Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2326308563