Phosphorus Application Improved Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) during the Kharif Season in Bangladesh

Abstract

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) plays a prominent role in the culinary traditions of various tropical and subtropical regions, such as the Southern United States, India, West Africa, and the Middle East. The nutritional contribution of okra extends to being a rich source of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals like potassium and magnesium. Understanding the relation between okra growth and phosphorus levels can help increase agricultural yield while reducing the adverse environmental impacts. In order to support sustainable agricultural practices, this study intends to investigate the effects of varying phosphorus levels on the growth attributes and productivity of okra. The experiment was conducted at the field experimental station of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka, during the Kharif season (April to August) of 2023 using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The experimental treatments consisted of two okra varieties, namely 'BARI Dherosh-2' and 'Chamak' and four levels of phosphorus, viz., 0.0, 70.0, 90.0, and 110 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹. Data on plant height and leaves per plant were recorded at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 days after sowing (DAS). Days required to first flowering, number of floral buds per plant, number of pods per plant, individual pod weight, pod length and diameter, pod yield, and dry matter accumulation in different plant parts were also recorded. The result indicated that the vegetative growth parameters and yield-contributing characters were significantly improved with phosphorus fertilisation. The ‘BARI Dherosh-2’ when treated with 90 P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ resulted in maximum plant height (99.27 cm at 100 DAS), branches per plant (4.68 at 100 DAS), fruits per plant (36.65), and fruit yield (14.94 t ha⁻¹). The results were statistically similar to those obtained with the treatment combination using the same variety at 110 P₂O₅ ha⁻¹. It has been concluded that 'BARI Dherosh-2', along with a dosage of 90 kg P₂O₅ per hectare, could be a suitable dose for cultivating okra during the Kharif season in Bangladesh.