THE RELATION OF POD POSITION TO SEED QUALITY IN OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) MONECH

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to determine the inherent quality of seeds of different pods in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus(L.) Moech). The treatment, consisting of seeds of 1st to 10th pods, were arranged in RCB design with three replications. The seeds of different pods, were planted in the respective plots laid out on sandy regosols and the experiment was managed in accordance to the recommended cultural practices. The data were collected on plant height at different stages, pod yield and yield components. The plants raised from seeds of 3rd, 4th and 5th pods showed significantly (P<0.05) better growth than plants of other pods as revealed from the data obtained from first flowering up to last harvest. The plants obtained from these pods also recorded higher yield with more number of pods of good quality as compared to plants raised from seeds of other pods. The results of this investigation elucidated that seed of 3rd, 4th and 5th pods of okra are of high quality and the most suitable seed to be selected as a seed source for planting purposes.