Effect of Organic Manure on the Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench) in Unwana

An experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana-Afikpo during 2018 cropping season, to determine the effect of Organic Manure on the Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench) in Unwana. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments comprised of control plots, cow dung, goat dung and poultry droppings. Parameters assessed were: plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, number of fruits, stem diameter, fruit diameter and fruit yield. The result showed that organic manure significantly influenced plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, and total fruit yield. Poultry dropping gave higher values in all the parameters except stem diameter and fruit diameter. Number of fruits and fruit yield was 10 fruits and 32.50t/ha, respectively at first harvest which differed significantly from other treatments used. Number of fruits recorded at second and third harvests was 7 and 9 fruits, respectively and were statistically the same with other treatments used. The control plot produced least values in all parameters assessed. Poultry manure produced maximum fruit yield of 32.50t/ha, followed by goat dung (29.20t/ha).