PERFORMANCE OF OKRA (ABELMOCHUS ESCULENTUS (L) MOENCH) AS INFLUENCED BY DIFFERENT SPACING IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The experiment was carried out to determine the effects of plant spacing on the growth and yields of okra (Abelmoschums esculentus (L) Moench). The variety used was NHEA47-4. The experiment was conducted at teaching and Research Farm, Department of Crop Production, faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri. The treatment consisted of four (4) plant spacings (60x30cm, 45x20cm, 70x35cm and 80x40cm), laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Data were collected on; plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per plant, fresh fruits weight per plant and fruit yield per plot which was converted in fruit yield per hectare. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using the procedure for analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significance mean was compared using the least significant differences (LSD) at 5% level of significance. Results from the study showed that, spacinsg had no significant effect on growth parameters, however, 70 x 35cm spacing performed better than the other treatments assessed as it produced the highest (1.73) number of fruits per plant, highest (27.98g) fresh fruits weight per plant and highest (1008.30 kg/ha) fresh fruit yield per hectare. Based on the results of this findings, 70 x 35cm spacing is recommended for optimum production of okra in the study area.