Effect of plant density and leaf pruning on growth and yield performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) varieties

Abstract

Okra is an important vegetable grown in the tropics and subtropical parts of the world. The major constraints in okra production are pest and disease incidences and low productivity. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different plant density and leaf pruning practice on growth and yield performance of okra varieties (Haritha and MI-5). The study was carried out at Integrated Farm and Training Center, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, Kanakarayankulam during January to May 2019. The treatments consisted of leaf pruning (with leaf pruning and without leaf pruning) and different numbers of seedlings per hill (one plant per hill, two plants per hill and three plants per hill) on two varieties of okra. These treatments were laid out in a split plot design with three replicates. Analysis of data was performed using the statistical software SAS 9.1 for calculating both ANOVA and Duncan’s mean separation. The number of plants per hill and the leaf pruning on two okra varieties have shown significant (p<0.05) effect on the plant height, leaf-number per plant, number of branches per plant, leaf area, number of pods per hill, single pod weight and total yields of both okra varieties. There were no any significant differences observed in pod length, circumference and number of ridges per pod for both okra varieties. Disease incidence was significantly influenced 16.7% to 37.8% when increasing the number of seedlings per hill. Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus incidence was higher in MI-5 than Haritha variety. Raising two seedlings per hill with leaf pruning have shown significantly higher growth and yield performance in Haritha (17 t/ha) 13.33% increment of the yield and MI-5 (18 t/ha) 20% increment of the yield compared to other levels of treatment (20%). Therefore, these results could be used effectively in farmer’s field to maximize the profitability in okra cultivation.