Seed yield and quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench) as influenced by apical pinching and fruit picking
Sajjan, A.S.; Shekaragowda, M.; Biradar, B.D.
Seed Research 32(2): 221-223
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-5594
Accession: 004471858
The effects of pinching (apical pinching at 20 or 30 days after sowing or DAS) and fruit picking (picking of 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 fruits per plant) on the seed yield and quality of okra (cv. Arka Anamika) were studied in Bagalkot, Karnataka, India, in 1998. During the kharif and rabi seasons, pinching at 20 DAS resulted in the highest seed yields (951.9 and 782.8 kg/ha, respectively), 100-seed weight (6.25 and 4.90 g), seed germination (81.83 and 85.13%), root length (6.42 and 7.25 cm), shoot length (18.27 and 18.08 cm), seedling dry weight (66.87 and 66.13 mg), and seedling vigour index (2027 and 2160). During the kharif season, picking of 2 fruits per plant gave the highest seed yield (874.6 kg/ha), 100-seed weight (6.43 g), seed germination (84.11%), seedling vigour index (67.27) and field emergence (74.23%). The interaction effects were not significant except for seed yield. The results indicated that apical pinching at 20 DAS and picking one or 2 green fruits per plant were most suitable for enhancing the yield and quality of okra seeds.