Effect of humic acid and chitosan on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.)‎ under saline conditions

Abstract EN

The present study was carried out in two successive seasons of 2013 and 2014 at the Experimental Farm, Desert Research Center, Ras Sudr Region, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt, to study the effect of addition of humic acid (potassium humate) at the rates 0, 2, 4 and 6 kg/fed and foliar application of chitosan rates (0, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) on growth, yield and quality as well as chemical constituents of okra plants El Balady cultivar.

Results showed that okra plants grown with humic acid at 6 kg/fed or chitosan at 200 ppm had the highest height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight per plant, leaf minerals (N, P and K), fruit number/plant, mean fruit fresh weight, plant yield, total yield/fed, total protein, P and K values of fruit and the least dietary fiber of fruit as compared to other treatments.

The highest productivity of okra under Ras Sudr conditions could be obtained by application of 6 kg humic acid per feddan combined with 200 ppm chitosan.