Responses of okra (Hibiscus esculentus L.) cultivars to photoperiod and temperature

Abstract

Two growth-chamber experiments were performed to study the responses of 17 cultivars of okra from different geographical locations to photoperiod and temperature. In Experiment I, all 17 cultivars were studied in all combinations of 13-h 20-min and 12-h photoperiods and 36 27 and 36 20°C day/night temperatures. Experiment II consisted of studies of five cultivars at all combinations of 15.5-h and 12-h photoperiods and 36 27 and 30 20°C temperatures. In Experiment I, high night temperature produced taller plants in the majority of the cultivars than did cool night temperature, especially in the long photoperiod. In Experiment II, the high temperature regime produced taller plants only at the early early stages of growth. Temperature had a strong influence on the flowering response of the cultivars to photoperiod. High temperature delayed floral development in both short and long photoperiods. 'Akatsi' and 'Taiwan 3' initiated floral buds very rapidly in the longer photoperiod and cooler night temperature. Day-neutral, short-day and quantitative long-day cultivars of okra were identified in these studies. © 1985.