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Apr 30, 2022Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Agronomic Performance and Nutritional Content of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] as influenced by Plastic-Film Mulch Under Elaeis guineensis (Jacq.) Canopy
Abstract
This study was conducted to compare the yield, agronomic and nutritional composition of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) under Elaeis guineensis canopy without mulching (CNM), with the open field (C), and to determine if the use of plastic-film mulch under the canopy (CM) would improve the productivity of Okra. Our study shows that CNM and CM decreased the yield of Okra by 92% and 91% compared with C. The reduction in yield was a result of the decrease in chlorophyll content, total biomass, and harvest index caused by low light intensity and reduced soil temperature under CNM and CM. Like yield, nutritional (ash content, crude protein, carbohydrate) and phytochemical (glycoside, terpenes, saponin, phenol) contents of the fruit also decreased significantly at p<0.05 under the canopy (CNM, CM) with a high level of moisture in fruit compared with C. However, the results obtained in CNM and CM was comparable. The results indicate that the canopy of E. guineensis hinders the growth and yield responses of Okra. Moreover, the insignificant yield and nutritional contents of fruits obtained in CNM and CM show that the use of PFM under canopy is ineffective and unsuitable for yield improvement, agronomic attributes, and nutritional contents of Okra.
