Effect of Time and Rate of Application of Poultry Manure on the Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench) in the Cross River Rain Forest Area, Nigeria

Aims: The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effects of time and rate of application of poultry manure (PM) on the performance of an early maturity okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) variety ‘Clemson spineless VGTH-014K.

Study Design: The experimental design was the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications.

Place and Duration of the Study: The field experiment was conducted the University of Calabar Teaching and Research Farm from June to September, 2016.

Methodology: The treatments consisted of 5 and 10 PM t/ha incorporated each into the soil at 1 and 2 weeks before planting, at planting, 2 weeks after planting, and zero poultry manure (0 t PM /ha) served as the control to give a total of 9 experimental units.

Results: The results obtained indicated that application of poultry manure at different times significantly (P £ 0.05) influenced the vegetative and fruit yield parameters okra evaluated. Statistically, 10 t of PM/ha had the best effect on okra performance irrespective of the time of application. However, early application at two weeks before planting produced the tallest plants (39.70 cm), highest number of leaves (22.67) and branches (9.67) per plant and highest leaf area index value (44.96). Also the highest fresh (1.43 t/ha) and dry pod yield (0.55 t/ha) as well as highest dry seed yield of 308 kg/ha were obtained in this treatment.

Conclusion: PM rates incorporated before planting were more effective than the corresponding rates applied at other periods. The optimum performance of okra was obtained at 10 t PM/ha and could be recommended for enhanced productivity of the crop in the study area.