EVALUATING THE GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF FOUR OKRA VARIETIES UNDER RHIZOBIUM INOCULATION AND NON-INOCULATION CONDITIONS
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the growth and yield performance of four okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) varieties—Clemson Spineless, Hire, Kijani F1, and Maha F1—under Rhizobium inoculation and non-inoculation conditions. Conducted using a comparative research design in both field and controlled environments, the study aimed to determine the varietal responses to Nodumax biofertilizer, a Rhizobium-based inoculant known for enhancing nitrogen fixation and promoting sustainable crop production. The experimental setup employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, and data were collected on various vegetative parameters (plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, leaf area) and yield attributes (fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, and number of fruits per plant) across six weeks of cultivation.
Findings revealed that Rhizobium inoculation significantly improved the vegetative growth and yield of all tested okra varieties. Among the four, Kijani F1 displayed the most pronounced response, recording the highest values in fruit weight (15.29 g), fruit length (10.25 cm), and number of fruits per plant (3.92) under inoculated conditions. Maha F1 followed with commendable performance, especially in plant height and leaf area, while Clemson Spineless showed appreciable vegetative gains though it lagged in yield compared to hybrid varieties. The Hire variety recorded the lowest yield, indicating limited responsiveness to inoculation.
The study concludes that biofertilizer application not only enhances growth and productivity but also promotes environmentally sustainable farming practices by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. It recommends the adoption of Kijani F1 and Maha F1 varieties in inoculated cultivation systems and calls for further research on the long-term impacts of Rhizobium use in diverse agro-ecological settings.
Keywords: Okra varieties, Rhizobium inoculation, Nodumax biofertilizer, nitrogen fixation, sustainable agriculture, yield performance, Kijani F1, Maha F1, Clemson Spineless, Hire.
Word counts: 283
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.