EFFECT OF SOWING METHODS AND PICKING INTERVALS ON THE FRESH YIELD AND SEED PRODUCTION OF OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS L.)

To study the effect of various planting beds and picking time on yield of okra, a research study was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Malakander, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. Okra seeds of cultivar Swat Green were planted into two different types of sowing methods (ridges and flat beds), and reduced to various number of picking (3, 4, and 5 intervals). The results of the present study revealed that okra plants sown on the ridges recorded maximum germination percentage (96.9%), fruit weight (22.41g), pod length (14.44 cm), seed pod-1 (48), 100 seed weight (6.41 g), seed yield (102.2 kg ha-1) and fresh yield (0.165 tons ha-1). Data regarding number of picking intervals showed that maximum germination percentage (92.7%), fruit weight (20.97 g), pod length (12.25 cm), highest seed yield (103.3 kg ha-1), and seed pod-1 (43) were recorded in 3 pickings. Whereas, data for maximum 100 seed weight (6.6 g) for picking intervals was recorded in 4 pickings and maximum fresh yield (0.148 tons ha-1) in 5 pickings. Infestation of weeds can cause a significant loss in okra yield which needs urgent integrated management. Cyperus rotundus, Echinochloa crusgalli and Digitaria sanguinalis were the main weeds observed during the study against which local farmers used various manual, mechanical and chemical control methods. It is concluded that okra plant sown on ridges and almost 3 picking intervals have significantly affected the growth and seed yield. Excessive use of chemical herbicides should be avoided to prevent environmental and human health hazards.