ABSTRACT
The performance of three varieties of Okra Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench were observed based on their growth parameters on a coastal plain soil of Umudike, south eastern Nigeria. The three varieties of Okra were Clemson Spineless, V35, LD88 and were replicated and laid out in a randomized complete block design. Okra seeds were sown in the nursery by putting 5 seeds per pot. Before transplanting, the land was cleared, ploughed, harrowed, leveled and seedlings were transplanted at the 4th week and at the appearance of three leaves. The seedlings were spaced at 30 X 40cm. The growth parameters were recorded throughout and they included the plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, germination count, germination percentage, and number of fruits. The results obtained were subjected to analysis using ANOVA table. Significant differences were observed for all parameters measured. Variety LD88 recorded the highest when compared to other varieties. The three varieties (LD88, V35and Clemson spineless) also showed a very high level of significance in their germination count and germination percentage (P<0.01). The three varieties showed no significant difference in their leaf length, leaf width, number of flowers and number of fruits and it was observed that LD88 responded well in Umudike soil and performed better in terms of plant height, and emergence.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgements iv
Table of Contents v
List of Tables vii
Abstract viii
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Statement
of the Problem 2
1.2 Justification
of the Study 2
1.3 Objectives
of the Study 3
CHAPTER
TWO
2.0 Literature
Review 4
2.1 Taxonomy
of Okra 5
2.1.1 Taxonomic
Hierarchy 6
2.2 Growth
and Development 7
2.3 Floral
Biology 7
2.4 Botanical
Features of Okra 8
2.5 Key
Insect Pests of Okra 9
2.6 Major
Diseases of Okra 11
2.7 Nutritional
Importance of Okra 14
2.8 Health
Benefits of Okra 15
2.9 Health
Advantages of Okra 16
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Materials
and Methods 19
3.1 Study
Area 19
3.2 Design
of Experiment 19
3.3 Collection
and Identification of Samples 19
3.4 Soil
Analysis 20
3.5 Land
Preparation 21
3.6 Planting
Material Preparations 21
3.7 Data
Collection 21
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Results 22
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Discussion
and Conclusion 26
5.1 Conclusion
27
5.2 Recommendations 27
References
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.1: Comparison
on Plant Height, Number of Leaves and Leaf Area 22
of Okra
Varieties Evaluated in the Field.
Table 4.2: Comparison of Leaf Length, Leaf Width and Numbers of Flowers 23
of
Three Varieties of Okra Evaluated in the Field.
Table 4.3: Comparison
on the Number of Fruit, Germination Count,
24
and
Germination Percentage of Three Varieties of Okra
LIST OF PLATES
Plate 3: Vegetative Growth of Clemson
spineless 25
Plate 2: Vegetative Growth of V35 25
Plate 1: Vegetative Growth of LD88
Plate 4: Three leaved Stage of Okra in the
Nursery before Transplanting 25
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Okra
(Abelmoschusesculentus L. Moench) is
an annual crop belonging to mallow family (malvaceae) requiring warm growing
condition and found in almost every market all over Africa (Schippers, 2000).
It is also a chief vegetable grown for its immature pods that can be consumed
as a fried or boiled vegetable or may be added to salads, soups and stews (Kashifet al., 2005). Worldwide production of
Okra as fruit vegetable was estimated at 6,000,000 tons per year. In West
Africa, it was estimated at 500,000 to 600,000 tons per year (Burku, 1997).
Okra
plays a significant role in human nutrition by providing carbohydrates protein,
fats, minerals and vitamins that are generally deficient in basic foods. Mature
okra seeds are good sources of protein and oil and it has been known to be very
important in nutritional quality, which is essential for human nutrition (Oyedele
et al., 2003). It has good nutritional
value, especially in vitamin C, calcium, iron and other minerals such as
magnesium and potassium (Aykroud, 1963).
Okra
will grow in most soil types but loam and sandy soils produce largest yields.
Okra will grow with a soil pH of 5.7 to 6.5, but a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is
optimum. (Seranet al., 2010).
Tropical soils are adversely affected by sub-optimal soil fertility, causing
depreciation of the nutrient level and change the populations of soil organism
(Economic Commission for Africa, 2011). However, Okra is known not to grow on
water logged soils but in soils that are well drained and rich in manure. The
basic growth pattern in annuals such as Okra is characterized by three main
phases of growth; Establishment and seedling growth stage, period of rapid
growth, stem elongation and flowering as well asthe ripening and senescence
stage (Harper, 1998). However, soil amendments may generate variations in
growth pattern. Hence, the present study ascertains the comparative study on
growth performance of three Okra varieties in treated soil (Poultry manure).
Manures are usually applied at higher rates, they give residual effects on the
growth and yield of succeeding crops (Makinde and Ayoola, 2008) various growth
parameters of different varieties measurement are based on plant height, number
of flowers, pod length, number of leaves, leaf width etc.
1.1 Statement of the Problem
Nigeria
is seldom listed among the largest producer of Okra in Africa and the world at
large. Several works such as Whorter (2006) are of the view that the name
“Okra” may have originated from Igbo land and widely used all over the world.
This may however suggest a high level of Okra recognition as food in Igbo land.
High cost occasioned by seasonal supply of Okra is another obstacle to its
consumption as identified by the works of (Farooq et al., 2001). The climatic condition of Umudike area falls within
the moderate range for the growth and yield of Okra. Edaphic factors such as
pH, soil nutrient also differs. However, different varieties of Okra possess
different properties such as; disease resistant, insect resistant and excellent
adaptation. Therefore, this research work is aimed at investigating the growth
stages of Okra varieties i.e (clemson spineless, v-35 and LD-88) and proving
the selectable and most adaptive variety among them to the Eastern soil type.
1.2 Justification of the Study
In
recent times, the prices of vegetables has been on a steady increase. The
recognition of vegetables as one of the best and safest sources of vitamins and
minerals has caused a setback of other natural and synthetic sources. The use
of herbs and vegetables as food or medicine have little or no risk of overdose
when consumed by humans (Kanuet al.,
2001). Okra plays a significant role in human nutrition and its ability to bear
fruit within two-three months after
planting
and continues to fruit for another 2-3 months is a great advantage (Anon,
2006). The justification of this study is aimed at achieving the best and
adaptive variety of Okra by various comparative studies on their growth
parameters.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1. To
compare the growth of three varieties of Okra
2. To
select the best variety based on its growth parameters, adaptation and yield.
Buyers has the right to create
dispute within seven (7) days of purchase for 100% refund request when
you experience issue with the file received.
Dispute can only be created when
you receive a corrupt file, a wrong file or irregularities in the table of
contents and content of the file you received.
ProjectShelve.com shall either
provide the appropriate file within 48hrs or
send refund excluding your bank transaction charges. Term and
Conditions are applied.
Buyers are expected to confirm
that the material you are paying for is available on our website
ProjectShelve.com and you have selected the right material, you have also gone
through the preliminary pages and it interests you before payment. DO NOT MAKE
BANK PAYMENT IF YOUR TOPIC IS NOT ON THE WEBSITE.
In case of payment for a
material not available on ProjectShelve.com, the management of
ProjectShelve.com has the right to keep your money until you send a topic that
is available on our website within 48 hours.
You cannot change topic after
receiving material of the topic you ordered and paid for.
Login To Comment