Abstract

Okra is one of the most important crops next to maize and sorghum production in Gambella Regional States. Okra production and yield maximization has not been attained due to lack of appropriate production practices such as optimum plant spacing and fertilizer use. Therefore, the research was conducted to assess the effect of plant population, and nitrogen rate on growth and yield components of Okra (Abelmoscus esculentus (L). Moench). The treatments were factorial combinations of five spacings (45 cm × 20 cm, 45 cm × 30 cm, 60 cm × 20 cm, 60 cm × 30 cm and 60 cm × 40 cm, and four nitrogen rates (0, 23, 46 and 69 kg N ha^-1). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design factorial arrangement with three replications. Farmers’ local variety of okra, ‘Amula’, was obtained from the same institute was used as a test crop. Results indicated that, plant population and nitrogen rate had significance influence on growth and yield components of okra. Maximum number of branches (2.93), number of leaves (15.95) and pod length (29.01 cm) was obtained from the interaction of 60 cm × 30 cm spacing, 60 cm × 40 cm and at 46 kg N ha^-1. The highest fresh pod yield (46.14 t ha^-1)  and above ground biomass yield (119.34 t ha^-1) was obtained from 45 cm × 30 cm spacing and at rate of 46 kg N ha^-1. Similarly, maximum dry pod yield (16.65 and 16.31 t ha^-1) was obtained at 45 cm × 30 cm and at 46 and 69 kg N ha^-1 respectively. Spacing of 45 cm × 30 cm and nitrogen rate of 46 kg N ha^-1 appears to be optimum practice for higher yield of the local cultivar okra in Gambella area.

Key words: Growth, nitrogen, okra, plant population, yield.