Abstract

Water is a scarce resource, and Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is grown in wet and dry seasons. For its dry season cultivation, alternative water sources are used for watering, but these sources are not sustainable in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to determine water deficit effect on okra’s behavior. Five genotypes of okra were subjected to three water regimes: (i) T1, watering at 100% of soil field capacity (SFC); (ii) T2, watering at 50% SFC; and (iii) T3, watering at 25% SFC. Results showed that water restrictions at 50% SFC and 25% SFC caused a reduction in growth’s parameters. This reduction was very pronounced under watering at 25% SFC. In addition, the restrictive water supply at 25% SFC significantly reduced the number of capsules and the number of seeds. Results also revealed a large inter-genotypes variation on agro-physiological parameters under effects of water stress. The genotype G259 had a better tolerance under water regime at 25% SFC while, under watering at 50% SFC, genotypes O2 and L2 have been the least sensitive for capsules and seed yield. For irrigated okra, it would be better to bring water to plants at 50% SFC, if the soil is sandy-loamy.

Key words: Abelmoschus esculentus, ecotype, water regime, effect, yield.