EFFECTS OF VARIETIES ON FRESH FRUIT YIELD OF OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS (L.) MOENCH) IN DADIN KOWA, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Field trials were conducted during the 2021, 2022 and 2023 rainy seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal College of Horticulture; Dadinkowa Gombe State, Nigeria to study the effects of varieties on fresh fruit yield of okra. Treatments consisted of four (4) different okra varieties; (Basanti 447 (V1), Yar Chalawa (V2), Yar Syria (V3) and Yar Arba’in (V4)). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated 4 times. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS version 9.2 (2008). Means were separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5% probability levels. Result showed that, varietal effect was highly significant (P≤0.01) on pod weight during 2021 and 2022 rainy seasons with Basanti 447 recording the highest pod weight (23.66 and 25.88g/plant). Basanti 447 produced the highest yield (4.728, 4.842 and 4.27 tons per hectare). Based on the results of this research, Basanti 447 (improved variety), gave the highest yield and yield components of okra, and can be recommended for farmers for adoption in the study area.