Weed Control on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) with Spacing Treatment and Weeding Frequency

Okra is a plant of many benefits and high economic value, originating in Africa, so it holds good prospects for intensive cultivation. Okra plants have good adaptability to various climatic conditions, crop yields are still low, however. One of the causes of low yields is the occurrence of intra-specific competition between okra plants and inter-specific competition between okra plants and weeds. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the proper spacing and effective weed control. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of spacing and weeding frequency on the growth and yield of okra. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design, consisting of two factors, namely spacing and weeding frequency. Spacing treatment consists of two levels, namely 40 cm x 40 cm and 40 cm x 60 cm. Weeding frequency treatment consists of four levels, namely weeding once (2 weeks after planting / WAP), weeding twice (2 and 4 WAP), weeding three times (2, 4, and 6 WAP), and weeding four times (2, 4, 6, and 8 WAP). The results showed that the spacing of okra did not affect the growth and yield per plant, but it affected the yield per plot due to the different number of plants per plot. The highest number of fruits and weight of okra fruits per plot were obtained at a spacing of 40 cm x 40 cm, namely 251.25 pieces and 3.67 kg, respectively. The frequency of weeding does not affect the growth and yield of okra. Weeding once at 2 weeks of age after planting can suppress weed growth just as well as weeding twice, three times, and four times. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that okra be planted with a spacing of 40 cm x 40 cm and weed control with one-time weeding at the age of 2 weeks after planting. Key words: okra, spacing, weeds, weeding frequency, intra-specific competition, inter-specific competition