Effects Of Cocoa Pod Ash Rates On The Growth And Yield Of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench) In Umudike, Southeastern Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

The research, effect of cocoa pod ash rates on the growth and yield of Okra in Umudike, Southeastern Nigeria, was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike during 2017 cropping season. It was a 2 x 5 factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Growth parameters measured were: number of leaves/plant, Plant height and stem girth, while yield parameters were number of fresh pods/plant, length of fresh pods/plant, weight of fresh pods/plant and fresh pod yield. Growth parameters were measured at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP), while the yield were measured at maturity. The result revealed that all growth and yield parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the cocoa pod ash rates, apart from the length of the fresh pods/plant. 8t/ha of cocoa pod ash produced highest parameters, while the spineless dwarf variety equally produced highest parameters apart plant height, where spineless  tall produced taller plants compared with the spineless dwarf. Consequently, 8t/ha of the cocoa pod ash as well as spineless dwarf variety are hereby recommended for cultivation in Umudike, southeastern, Nigeria.