The effect of fruit load on pod and seed characteristics of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
2015
E11593
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Title
The effect of fruit load on pod and seed characteristics of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
Publication Date
2015
Call Number
E11593
Summary
A study to determine the effects of fruit load on the pod and seed characteristics of okra was carried out. Four cultivars of okra ('Boyiatiou', 'Veloudo', 'Clemson' and 'Pylaias'), very common in Greece and the Mediterranean Basin, were cultivated under field conditions and three levels of fruit loading [L1, L2, and L3 (10, 15 and all fruits plant-1 respectively)] were applied on plants. Leaving more fruit on the plant (L3) caused lower seed germination in cv. 'Boyiatiou' and 'Veloudo', where in cv. 'Pylaias' and 'Clemson' the opposite effect was observed. Highest germination was recorded for plants with the lowest fruit load (L1). The most seedhardness and least seed germination was observed in cv. 'Boyiatiou', but storage of seeds for 18 months increased germination by up to 16.2%. Flower induction, fruit set and fruit dimensions were unaffected by fruit load, irrespective of cultivar. Seed number per fruit was not affected by fruit load, but seed size (mean 100 seed weight) tended to decrease with fruit load in cv. 'Boyiatiou' and 'Pylaias'. There was also no consistent effect of fruit load on plant height. In conclusion, pod load is not considered to affect okra seed quality and especially for crops intended for seed production growers should not apply pod thinning since no effect in seed quality was observed.
Journal Citation
22(1):26-32, ANALELE UNIVERSITATII DIN ORADEA - FASCICULA BIOLOGIE
Contact Information
harvest@worldveg.org
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Research > Published Articles