Influence of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Abstract

A study was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (UP) during 2022. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the plants in terms of various parameters such as plant height, Leaf Area Index, days to 50% flowering, days to first harvesting, number of pods per plant, pod length, pod girth, pod weight, pod yield per plant, pod yield per plot, pod yield per hectare, total soluble solids (TSS), Vitamin C and benefit-cost ratio. The results of the study indicated that the application of mixture of 50% inorganic fertilizers and 50% FYM improved the growth and yield of Okra. The highest pod yield (12.06 t/ha), pod weigh (25.42 g), TSS (9.47 Brix) and Vitamin C content (24.26) were observed in the plants treated with 50 % through Chemical fertilizer + 50 % through FYM. The benefit-cost ratio was also found to be higher in the treated plants compared to the control. Overall, the study suggests that the application of 50 % through Chemical fertilizer + 50 % through FYM can be an effective and sustainable method for enhancing the growth, yield, and quality of Okra.