Growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) as affected by foliar applied plant extractsin Forest Agroecological Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the effect of foliar application of plant extracts as nutrient sources on the yield and yield components of okra. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications.The trial consisted of eight treatments {10, 15 and 20 g of dry Neem leaf (powder); 10, 15 and 20g of dry Bitter leaf (powder), NPK 15:15:15 (treated check) and control(no fertilization)}.The results obtained showed that 15g of bitter leaf plant extract in 100 ml significantly (p<0.05)had the highest fruit girth (2.46 cm) and fruit weight (10.34 g), also 20 g of bitter (6.43 cm) and neem (6.03 cm) leaf plant extract had the longest fruit length though not significantly (p<0.05)different from other treatments. Year had significant
(p<0.05) effect on all the parameters measured. Also, year x treatment interaction had significant (p<0.05) effect on all the parameters measured except fruit length and leaf length at 6 WAS.

Keywords: Okra, sustainable, organic sources, application rate and plant extracts