Impact of Plant Spacing and Picking Interval on the Growth, Fruit Quality and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted on okra to determine the optimum plant spacing (30 cm x 45 cm, 60 cm x 30 cm and 60 cm x 45 cm) and picking interval (1 and 2 days) regime which would promote the maximum yield with quality fruits of okra cv. 'Clemson Spineless'. The study was carried out in the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences during April – July 2012. The six treatments were laid out in a randomized complete blocked design (RCBD), using three replications. The thickest (2.50 cm) stem diameter, greatest (41.86 cm) leaf diameter and maximum (1.72) number of branches per plant and the highest (415.60 g) yield per plant was recorded at the widest (60 cm x 45 cm) spacing. However, the yield per hectare was decreased with the increasing plant spacing. The highest (147.20 cm) plant height and (18.96 tons) yield per hectare was obtained in the closest spacing (45 cm x 30 cm). The longest (15.96 cm) length, widest (2.22 cm) diameter, fresh (27.23 g) and dry (5.38 g) weight per fruit per plant were recorded at 2 days fruit picking interval and all fruits were tender and very marketable. The highest (23.99 tons) yield per hectare was recorded at the closest spacing of 45 cm x 30 cm at 2 days picking interval which was significantly higher than any other combination of plant spacing and picking interval.