Yield response of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) at varying sowing depths in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract Field experiments were conducted from June to August during the years 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons at the University of Agriculture Research Farm, Makurdi, Nigeria, to evaluate the yield response of okra at varying sowing depths and to determine the optimal sowing depth that will maximize yield under Makurdi conditions. Results of the study showed that the least number of days to attain 50 % emergence, greatest number of pods and best yield were obtained when seeds were sown at the depth of 4 cm. The average number of pods produced from seeds sown at 4 cm depth was significantly (P<0.05) greater by 53.5 %, 45.4 % and 23.1 % respectively, compared to that obtained from depths of 1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm. The average yield obtained from the depth of 4 cm was significantly (P greater by 33.8 % and 28.6 % respectively, compared to that produced from seeds sown at shallower depths of 1 cm and 2 cm. The implication of study showed that to maximize yield of okra variety ‘Dogo', the optimal sowing depth would be 4 cm. This should be recommended for Makurdi location, Nigeria.