Impact of Nitrogen Rates on the Seed Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Varieties at Different Fruit Position:

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology Minna, during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. The treatments consisted of 2x5x6 factorial combinations of two okra cultivars (NHAe47-4 and LD 88), five nitrogen rates (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1) and six fruit positions on the mother-plant (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6th) arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and replicated four times. Parameters measured includes number of seeds, seed weight and germination percentage. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS Statistical package 9.2. At 5% level of probability means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) Test. Application of 120 kg N ha-1 produced the highest number of seeds and seed weight of okra. Harvested fruits from the lower positions (1-2) gave best results in all the parameters. While seed germination was greater at the lower positions prior to storage and after storage.