Effect of Manure Addition on the Growth, Yield, and Disease (Leaf Spot) Resistance of Different Varieties of Okra
Authors: Rafee Muhammad , Jaffar Muhammad Sulaman , Ali Shahbaz 
Published: July 2024

Okra is a popular vegetable crop grown throughout the world during the spring and summer seasons. It is valued for its edible green seed pods. It is a member of the hibiscus family, Malvaceae with floral characteristics, originated from tropical Africa, and was first cultivated in Egypt in the 12th century. Numerous biotic and abiotic variables, such as illnesses and insect pests, are negatively affecting okra production. One of them, leaf spot, is a dangerous fungal disease that can appear in okra-growing regions. Okra as ladyfinger or bhindi in Pakistan is a widely cultivated vegetable crop that holds significant economic importance in the country. A field experiment was designed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The study involved different levels of poultry manure and various okra varieties. Manure was applied in the following amounts per hectare: 0 tonnes, 5 tonnes, 10 tonnes, 15 tonnes, and 20 tonnes. The okra varieties used were Sabzpari, F1 Green gold, Super Lady, Saloni, Swat Green, and Kiran. Data collected included: Plant height: Measured from the bottom to the tip of the plant using a measuring scale. Fruit length: Measured using water displacement and vernier calipers. Stem girth: Measured 2 inches above the soil surface using a digital caliper. Fruit weight: Determined using a digital scale. Number of fruits per plant: Counted and averaged. Yield per plant: Total weight of fruits harvested from each plant. Number of leaves and spot leaf disease: Leaves counted and checked for fungal disease.Fresh pod weight: Weighed using a digital scale. Application of manure 20 tonnes ha-1 exhibited significant maximum results with 136.96 complaint height, 5.39 cm fruit length, 3.30 cm stem girth, 10.62 g fruit weight, 3.57 number of fruits plant-1, 725.31 g yield plant-1, 10.19 number of leaves plant-1 and 10.33 g fresh pod weight. In contrast, okra treated under control exhibited the lowest performance, 118.17 cm plant height, 2.50 cm fruit length, 2.57cm stem girth, 7.75g fruit weight, 2.84 number of fruits plant-1, 315.99 g yield plant-1, 5.38 number of leaves plant-1 and 8.62 g fresh pod weight. Among the okra variety, Kiran yielded the best results, with 129.93 cm plant height, 4.25 cm fruit length, 3.01 cm stem girth, 9.48 g fruit weight, 3.29 number of fruits plant-1, 563.74 g yield plant-1, 8.29 number of leaves plant-1 and 9.67 g fresh pod weight. On the other hand, the variety Sabzpari showed the lowest performance, with 125.58 cm plant height, 3.65 cm fruit length, 2.86 cm stem girth, 8.88g fruit weight, 3.14 number of fruits plant-1, 478.37 g yield plant-1, 7.29 number of leaves plant-1 and 9.31 g fresh pod weight. After going through the findings of the present research, it has been suggested that the Application of manure@ 20 tonnes ha-1 can be an effective growth regulator for okra crops, leading to improved growth and increased yields. Spot leaf disease on okra leaves affects the leaves due to fungal infection.