Planting density on weed suppression and yield of okra

ABSTRACT

Planting density affects the level of competition for resources needed for the growth and production of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench). Competition from weeds can affect yield. Field experiments were conducted at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, to study the effects of planting density on growth and pod yield of okra cvs. NHAe 47-4 and LD 88 and weed suppression, in 2012 and 2013. Plants were established at 100 × 50 cm at densities of one, two, or three plants/stand (25,000; 50,000; and 75,000 plants∙ha⁻¹). Okra plants were generally shorter in 2012 than in 2013, but height was not affected by planting density or cultivar in both years. The number of leaves/plant was similar for cultivars but were reduced with increasing plant density. Leaf area was higher for one plant/stand in 2012 but similar for the higher densities in 2013. Plant height and number of leaves per plant were generally higher for ‘NHAe 47-4ʹ. The cv. LD 88 had a higher cumulative pod yield than ‘NHAe 47-4ʹ. Cultivar LD 88 had higher yields with three plants/stand; yield of cv. NHAe 47-4 was higher with one or two plants/stand. Okra growth and yield were reduced with increasing planting density. There were no differences between cultivars or planting density on weed growth. The planting density for optimum yield of an okra should be determined for each cultivar.

KEYWORDS:

• Abelmoschus esculentus
• cultivar
• pod yield
• weed growth

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