Effects of Alar on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Okra

Abstract

SUMMARY Effects of Alar on growth, flowering and yield parameters of standard-planted and closely-planted late-bearing okra were studied. Lower concentrations of Alar, applied once 6 weeks after sowing on standard-planted okra, significantly advanced days to first flowering and depressed height at first flowering and final height. Higher Alar concentrations, particularly 2000 ppm applied twice after 3 and 6 weeks on closely-planted okra, produced more, longer and heavier pods, and therefore higher total pod yield in unstopped than in stopped okra, in addition to advancing days to first flowering and depressing height at first flowering and final height. The agronomic practice of stopping okra at 6 weeks reduced pod number, pod weight/plant and total pod yield/ha in unsprayed plants.