Bio-efficacy of Chromolaena odorata on the Agromorphological Parameters and Yield of Two Varieties of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in Taabo, Southern Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Chemical fertilisers can support crop production but may create environmental and accessibility concerns, prompting interest in locally available organic inputs. This study evaluated the effects of powdered material and aqueous extracts of Chromolaena odorata on the agromorphological performance and yield of Clemson spineless and Hiré okra varieties in Taabo, southern Côte d’Ivoire. The experiment comprised three completely randomised blocks with three replicates and fourteen treatments. Powdered material was applied at 5, 15, and 25 g, while aqueous extracts were applied at 5, 15, and 25 g/L. Treatments were applied four times at two-week intervals before, at, and after sowing. Germination, survival, leaf area, plant height, collar diameter, number of leaves, number of fruits per plant, and fruit weight were assessed. Germination ranged from 83.33% to 100%, while survival ranged from 97.50% to 100%. Extract application generally improved growth and yield relative to the controls. The 25 g/L aqueous treatment produced the highest leaf area in Clemson spineless (225.94 cm²) and the highest collar diameter (0.87 cm), mean fruit number (6.29), and mean fruit weight (28.58 g) in Hiré. Across extract forms, the aqueous treatments generally produced stronger responses than the powdered material, except for the number of leaves, for which the two forms were statistically similar. Under the conditions of the study, Chromolaena odorata aqueous extract, particularly at 25 g/L, showed potential as a locally available organic input for okra production.