Flowering response and fruit yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) fertilized with different nutrient sources.

Abstract

The effects of different levels of poultry droppings and cow dung and recommended dosage of inorganic fertilizer on the flower response and fruit yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) were evaluated at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria from 2009-2011.The objective was to determine the nutrient source and rate for optimum okra performance for use among the urban and peri-urban okra producers in Minna metropolis. Two varieties of okra (NHAe47-4 and LD88-1) and 10 fertilizer treatments of poultry droppings and cow dung each at 2, 4, 6 and 8 t ha; combination of NPK I5-15-15 + urea fertilizers supplying 100 kg N ha, 50 kg P203, 50 kg k2O ha-1 and control) were factorially combined using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Results revealed that plants from plots to which 6 or 8 t of poultry droppings per hectare was applied performed significantly better than those to which other fertilizer treatments were applied (p<0.05). Nonetheless, it delayed flowering significantly in the two varieties used. It however reduced the incidence of flower abortion which eventually resulted in higher fruit yield (9.2 t ha -1). Higher fruit yield (about 12 t ha -1) was recorded in LD88-I compared to the 5t ha for NHAe47-4. It is concluded from this study that application of poultry dropping at 6-8 t ha-1 to okra enhanced flowering and fruit yield compared to other fertilizer treatments. It is therefore concluded that poultry droppings at 6-8 t ha should be applied for successful flowering and optimum fruit yield of okra.