Responses of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Varieties to Photoperiod
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Abstract
In two light controlled experiments, the effects of 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 hour photoperiods and natural daylength on flowering and pod set in four varieties of okra (‘Awgu’ early, NHAe47-4, ‘Clemson’ and ‘Nsukka’ local) were investigated. The first experiment was conducted between May and July, 1992 (Early season planting) and the second between October 1992 and February 1993 (Late season planting). Each was a factorial experiment set out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. From the results of the investigation, short photoperiods of 8 to 12 hours were generally more conducive to flower production and pod set. The results of experiment 1 conducted from May to July, 1992 when the temperatures were lower compared with the situation between October 1992 and February 1993, showed that ‘Nsukka’ local was more sensitive to its requirement of short photoperiod of 8 to 12 hours as it failed to attain anthesis or set pod at photoperiods of 12.28 hours and above. ‘Awgu’ Early and NHAe47-4 were less sensitive since they produced flower buds at 14 and 16 hours but however did not attain anthesis to produce harvestable pod at those long photoperiods. ‘Clemson’ showed more adaptation to a range of photoperiods as it produced harvestable pods even at 14 and 16 hours of photoperiods. In experiment 2, all the varieties produced flower buds and attained anthesis under both short and long photoperiods, more probably as a result of modifying effects of higher temperatures that occurred during the period of that experiment.
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References
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