Environmental Factors on the Physical Characteristics and Physiological Maturity of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus, cv. Kirikou) Pods and Seeds

Abstract

This study investigated some physical characteristics and physiological maturity of okra (Cv. Kirikou) pods and seed. The okra was planted in two planting seasons (rainy and dry season) and harvested in five maturity stages (7 DAP, 11, DAP, 15 DAP, 19 DAP, and 23 DAP). The results revealed that planting season (environmental conditions) had significant (P ≤0.05) effect on all the parameters investigated in this study. The results further showed general increment in the physical characteristics and physiological maturity of the okra pod and seed, as maturation increased from stage 1 to stage 5, in both planting season.  In addition, maximum seed weight (mass maturity) was achieved at Stage 3 in both cropping season, while maximum seed quality (specific gravity and porosity) was achieved in Stage 5. The okra seeds true density increased from 640 to 1012 kg/m³ in the dry season farming and 642 to 1038 kg/m³ during the rainy season farming.  Likewise, the okra seed bulk density increased from 427 to 593 kg/m³ during the dry season farming, and 432 to 605 kg/m³ in the rainy season farming. Data obtained from this study will help engineers in designing and fabrication of machines/equipment for the mechanization of okra production.