Comparative Studies On Growth Parameters Of Three Varieties Of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Monech):- Oguezuonu, Chika Stella

ABSTRACT

 The performance ofthree varieties o^OkraAbelmoschusesculentus L. Moench were observed based on their growth parameters on a coastal plain soil of Umudike, south eastern Nigeria. The three varieties of Okra were Clemson Spineless, V35, LDss and were replicated and laid out in a randomized complete block design. Okra seeds were sown in the nursery by dibbling 5 seeds per pot. Before transplanting, the land was cleared, ploughed, harrowed, leveled and seedlings were transplanted at the 4th week and at the appearance ofthree leaves. The seedlings were spaced at 30 X 40cm. The growth parameters were recorded throughout and they included the plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, germination count, germination percentage, and number of fruits. The results obtained were subjected to analysis using ANOVA table. Significant differences were observed for all parameters measured. Variety LDss recorded the highest growth when compared to other varieties with a mean result of27.28 at (P = 0.05) and high level of significance. The three varieties (LDss, V35 and Clemson spineless) also showed a very high level of significance in their germination count and germination percentage (P<0.01) with LDss recording the highest at mean of 0.684 and 68.4. The three varieties showed no significant difference in their leaf length, leafwidth, number of flowers and number of fruits and it was observed that LDss responded well in Umudike soil and performed better in terms of plant height, and emergence.