Effectt of plant density and nitrogen fetili3ation on vegetative growth, seed yield and quality of okra plants

الملخص EN

Two field experiments were carried out during the summer seasons of 2004 and 2005 at El-Qaten region, Hadramout governorate, to study the effects of different plant densities (9.5, 4.8 and 3.2 plant m-2 and varying N levels (0, 15, 30 and 45 kg N fed.-1) on vegetative growth characters, chemical composition, seed yield and quality of okra plants.

The results indicated that increasing plant density from 3.2 to 9.5 plant m-2 was accompanied with progressive and significant reductions in number of branches, number of leaves and leaf area plant-1.

On the contrary, plant height, significantly increased with the high plant density (9.5 plant m-2).

Meanwhile, nitrogen contents of leaves and pods were not affected.

Results also revealed that decreasing plant density from 9.5 to 3.2 plant m-2 associated with corresponding and successive increments in the average seed yield plant-1 and seed index.

On the other hand, total seed yield m-2 reflected a significant decrease as a result of reducing plant density.

Number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1 and germination percentage, however, were not significantly affected by the different plant densities.

The results, also, showed that increasing N applied rate up to 45 Kg N fed-1was associated with significant progressive increases in plant height, number of branches, number of leaves and leaf area plant-1.Moreover, leaves and pods N contents were positively and significantly responded to such N treatments.

It was, also, noticed that the dry matter content exhibited significant reduction due to N application.

Application of N fertilizer,significantly, increased seed yield plant-1, number of pods plant-1 and seed index.

The highest N level (45 Kg N fed-1) was effective, in these respects.

Total seed yield m-2, number of seed pod-1 and germination percentage, however, were not significantly affected by N fertilizer rate.

The highest plant density (9.5 plant m-2) and the application of 45 Kg N fed-1 appeared to be the most efficient treatment combination which gave a better vegetative growth and a higher seed production of okra plants.