Response of Plant Growth Regulators and Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2024–25 at the Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, to evaluate the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and organic manures on the growth and yield performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. ‘Pusa Sawani’. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications and 16 treatment combinations comprising foliar sprays of GA₃ (50 ppm), NAA (50 ppm), and their combination, along with applications of farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, and their integrated use. Results revealed significant improvements in vegetative growth, flowering, and yield attributes under combined application of GA₃ 50 ppm + NAA 50 ppm with FYM 10 t/ha + vermicompost 5 t/ha (P₃O₃). This treatment recorded maximum plant height (74.51 cm), number of branches (4.29), number of leaves per plant (21.54), early flowering (36.90 days to 50% flowering), and the highest yield parameters, including number of fruits per plant (22.62), fruit length (14.43 cm), fruit girth (6.45 cm), average fruit weight (13.22 g), and fruit yield (144.82 q/ha). These findings demonstrate the synergistic role of plant growth regulators and organic manures in enhancing okra productivity through improved physiological growth and reproductive efficiency. The integrated treatment (P₃O₃) significantly outperformed individual applications and the control, suggesting its practical relevance for eco-friendly and sustainable okra cultivation. Hence, foliar application of GA₃ and NAA in conjunction with FYM and vermicompost offers an effective agronomic strategy to boost yield and ensure soil health. Further multi-seasonal studies are recommended to validate these findings across different agro-ecological regions.