Abstract

In order to sort out the problem of uneven and poor germination in okra, a research work “the effect of seed priming on okra cv. Sabaz Pari with different sources of phosphorus and soaking durations” was carried out at Horticulture Research Farm, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan, during summer 2008. The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements. There were four priming sources (distilled water, 1% phosphorus (P) solution of each of diammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate (SSP), SSP+ Na₂CO₃) with soaking durations from 4 h and their twofolds up to 48 h along with unprimed seed (control). Priming sources and durations significantly affected germination percentage, survival percentage, number of days to emergence and first flowering, plant height, leaves number per plant, pods number per plant, pod length, seeds number per pod and pod yield. SSP solutions with 24 h soaking duration gave the best results, followed by DAP, while unsoaked seeds proved to be the poorest. Hence, seed priming in SSP solution (1%P) for 24 h is recommended for okra.

Key words: Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra), seed soaking, phosphorus fertilizer.