Effect of Poultry Droppings on Growth and Fruit Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

The effect of poultry droppings on growth and fruit yield of okra was evaluated during 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching and Research Farm Mokwa Sub- Station (90181N and 504E) with altitude of 378.0 m above the sea level of the Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria. The trial was conducted using Randomized Complete Block Design which consisted of ten (10) treatment combinations with three replications. Different rates of poultry droppings (t ha-1); 0 (No application), 5 t ha-1, 10 t ha-1, 15 t ha-1 and 20 t ha-1 with two okra varieties, LD 88- 1 and Kukurasungi Local were used. Data was taken from five sampled plants per plot on parameters such as average plant height per plant (cm), number of leaves per plant, number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit length (cm) and green fruit yield (t ha-1). Results from this study showed that in the two years trial LD 88- 1 variety performed better than Kukurasungi Local and therefore can be used for okra production within the study area. Poultry droppings rate of 15 t ha-1 increased the fruit yield. Therefore, this can be applied as part of cultural treatment.