Effect of terminal and axillary bud pruning on growth and yield attributes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Under the climatic conditions of Quetta

Abstract

This study aims to investigate how different pruning techniques, such as no pruning (controlled), terminal bud pruning, and axillary bud pruning, affect the growth and yield of okra. A randomized complete block design with three treatments and four replications was used to carry out the research work. The maximum and minimum number of days to flowering were observed in plants with terminal bud pruning and no pruning. In addition, maximum plant height was increased under axillary bud pruning, and the minimum was noted in terminal bud pruning. It was noted that pods per plant increased with terminal bud pruning, whereas they decreased with no pruning. The pod length was also exaggerated by pruning; a maximum pod length was noted in terminal bud pruning, whereas the minimum was observed in no pruning. Respectively, the maximum and minimum pod diameter were observed in plants with terminal bud pruning and in plants with no pruning. In addition, terminal bud pruning shows a higher single pod weight as compared to plants with no pruning. Pod weight per plant was highly affected by pruning, and the maximum weight was recorded in terminal bud pruning and the minimum in no pruning. A significant difference was observed in yield per hectare; plants under terminal bud pruning produced the maximum yield per hectare, while the minimum was noted with no pruning. The present study provided crucial evidence that terminal bud pruning in okra would be the best option for vegetable growers to produce maximum yield and financial benefit.