Field Evaluation of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus [L.] Moench) Genotypes for Yield and Yield Component Characters in Jalingo, Taraba State

Okra is an important fruit vegetable in Nigeria. Production is challenged by low yielding varieties particularly in the northern Guinea savanna agro-ecology. A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Taraba State University, Jalingo during the 2023 rainy season to evaluate pod yield and yield component traits of five okra genotypes. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Data were collected on both growth and yield traits and subjected to statistical analysis (ANOVA) and significant means separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. Results showed that significant variation in pod yield and yield component traits exist among the genotypes. However, NHAE-47 outperformed other genotypes for days to 50% flowering, number of pods per plant (36), number of pods per plot (225.3), pod weight per plant (3.8g), pod weight per plot (1.9kg) and pod weight per hectare (2111.1kg). The genotype, NHAE-47 is recommended for cultivation by okra farmers in Jalingo.