Dry matter accumulation and partitioning in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) as influenced by plant population

Dry matter accumulation and partitioning in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) as influenced by plant population

2012

E07437

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the optimum plant population density for two okra varieties, namely 'Ashiator', a local variety and 'Indiana', an exotic variety at the University of Ghana Farm during the major season of 2009. The field layout was 2x3x3 factorial experiment arranged in a split-split-plot design with the varieties as the main-plot treatments and three spacings; (60 cm x 30 cm, 60 cm x 45 cm, and 60 cm x 60 cm) as subplot treatments, and three planting rates, i.e. number of plants/stand; (one plant/stand, two plants/stand and three plants/stand) as sub-subplot treatments in three replications. Plant growth was evaluated every three weeks by measuring the dry weight of the roots, stem, leaves and reproductive parts (fruits and flowers). Other data collected were; plant height, number of leaves/plant, number of branches/plant, leaf area/plant, yield and yield components. The results showed that 'Ashiator' partitioned higher dry matter than 'Indiana' into the roots, while plants at Rate 1 which was the lowest plant population density, partitioned the highest dry matter into the roots compared to the rest. Again, Rate 1 produced the highest stem dry weight compared to the rest and for spacing rate interaction; Rate 1 produced the highest stem dry weight at 60 cm x 30 cm, Rate 2 had the highest stem dry weight at 60 cm x 60 cm with Rate 3 producing the highest stem dry weight at 60 cm x 45 cm. 'Ashiator' had a higher leaf dry weight than Indiana while Rate 1, produced the highest leaf dry weight. For variety x spacing interaction, 'Indiana' produced the highest leaf dry weight at 60 cm x 30 cm while 'Ashiator' had the highest leaf dry weight at 60 cm x 60 cm. 'Ashiator' partitioned more dry matter into the reproductive parts (fruits and flowers) than 'Indiana' and considering rate of planting, plants at Rate 1 partitioned the highest dry matter into the reproductive parts.

10:33-43, GHANA JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

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