Abstract

The performance of three okra Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench varieties were evaluated under irrigation on the floodplain soils of Mubi, North Eastern Nigeria. The treatments consisted of three okra varieties: V₁ (improved), V₂ (serial) and V₃ (local okra) laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The land was cleared, ploughed, harrowed, leveled and marked into blocks and plots with 1 m between replication and 0.5 m between plots. Okra seeds were sown by dibbling 3 seeds per hole at 50 cm × 50 cm spacing. The seedlings were later thinned to two plants per stand two weeks after emergence. Phosphorus fertilizer was applied in split doses at the rate of 45 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 as single super phosphate. Nitrogen was also applied 2 to 4 weeks after emergence as urea at the rate of 40 kg ha^-1. The plots were irrigated on weekly bases. The results obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using Duncan’s multiple range test. Significant (p<0.05) differences were observed for all the parameters measured. V₁ (improved) recorded the highest fresh fruit yield of 10.7 tons/ha as compared to V₃ (local) that recorded the lowest fresh fruit yield of 4.9 tons/ha. It was observed that V₁(improved okra) responded well at this floodplain and performed better in terms of yield output in this region.

Key words: Abelmoschus esculentus, flood plain, soil status, varieties.