Effects of Planting Date and Fruit Position on Mother Plant on the Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Seeds

Abstract

A study was conducted on three popular okra species, that is, NHAe 47- 4, V35 and a local variety at Makurdi, Nigeria. The aim was to determine the effects of planting date and fruit position on mother plant on seed quality. These factors were studied using three sowing dates (i.e. 25^th June, 9^th July and 23^rd July 2013) and three different fruit positions (i.e. Apex, Middle and Base). Bulk planting was done, and in experiment one, the three sowing dates were subjected to identical cultural operations and monitored while in experiment two, five plants of each species were randomly selected from each plot and segmented into three positions as apex, middle and base. Fruits were harvested at full maturity in their respective classes of planting date and fruit positions. Data were assessed on fruit length, diameter and weight. Number of seeds per fruit, seed weight, 100-seed weight and germination tests were also assessed. The seeds were thereafter, stored for three months under ambient conditions and further tested for viability. Results of the values generated on all the fruit and seed parameters of the third harvesting date were generally lower than those generated on the first and second planting dates. Whereas there were no significant differences in germination of seeds extracted from apex and middle positioned fruits, their germination was significantly better than that of seeds extracted from base fruits. There was a general decline in germination, when seeds were stored for three months and the rate of decline was more pronounced with seeds derived from the third planting date. It was therefore concluded that in the Benue sub-region, early planting of okra for seed is recommended and should be done before 23^rd July. Furthermore, preference should be given to apex and middle positioned fruits when harvest is meant for seed extraction.

Keywords: Seed, position, maturity, storage, germination.