Growth and Yield Performance of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) (Moench) var. Yar-balle] as Influenced by NPK Fertilizer and Weed Control in Sudan Savannah, Nigeria

 

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted during 2018 dry season at fruit and vegetable Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. [Latitude 14⁰N – 15⁰N and longitude 4⁰ -5⁰ E.  The experiment was conducted with the objective of assessing the effect of NPK fertilizer and weed control on growth and yield of okra (Abelmuschus esculentus (L.) Moench), var. Yar-balle in Sokoto Sudan Savanna of Nigeria. The experiment consisted of a combination of four different levels of NPK fertilizer [0kgNPKha^-1, 100kgNPKha^-1, 200kgNPKha^-1, 300kgNPKha^-1] and weed control {No weeding, once hoe weeding, twice hoe weeding at 2 and 4WAS and pre-emergence (pendimethalin @ 1.0kg ai/ha plus once hoe weeding}. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Data were collected on parameters such as plant height, leaf area, pod length and total pod yield. The result obtained showed significant effect (p≤0.05) of NPK fertilizer and weed control on plant height, leaf area, and leaf area index, pod length and total pod yield. From the result of the study, NPK fertilizer rate of 100kgNPKha^-1 with either pre-emergence application of pendimethalin at the rate of 1.0kg ai/ha-¹ and once hoe weeding @ 4WAS) or (twice hoe weeding at 2 and 4WAS of weed control could be the most effective fertilizer and weed control option for better performance of Yar balle okra in the study area.