Responses of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) varieties to photoperiod

Abstract

In two light controlled experiments, the effects of 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 hour photoperiods and natural day length on flowering and pod set in four varieties of okra (‘Awgu’ early, NHAe47-4, ‘Clemson’ and ‘Nsukka’ local) were investigated. Each was a factorial experiment set out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. From the results of the investigation, short photoperiods of 8 to 12 hours were generally more conducive to flower production and pod set. The results showed that ‘Nsukka’ local was more sensitive to its requirement of short photoperiod of 8 to 12 hours as it failed to attain anthesis or set pod at photoperiods of 12.28 hours and above. ‘Awgu’ Early and NHAe47-4 were less sensitive since they produced flower buds at 14 and 16 hours but however did not attain anthesis to produce harvestable pod at those long photoperiods. ‘Clemson’ showed more adaptation to a range of photoperiods as it produced harvestable pods even at 14 and 16 hours of photoperiods.