Growth and yield response of okra (Ablemochus esculentus) to varying rates of different sources of organic soil amendments at Njala, Moyamba District, Southern Sierra Leone

Abstract

Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in vegetable production have negatively impacted the soils, water quality, food security and health of farmers and consumers. Hence, sustainable, economically feasible, environmentally friendly soil fertility, pests and disease management options are needed to improve vegetable production. This study evaluated the growth and yield of okra due to varying rates of different sources of organic soil amendments to promote its productivity and tolerance in Sierra Leone. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three (3) replicates and ten (10) treatments was used. The treatments included; Gliricidia sepium, chicken manure and cow dung applied as sole treatments and in combination with papaya leaf and neem leaf as biopesticides. Data was collected on the growth, yield and percentage leaf damage of okra. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in treatment means. The application of poultry manure in combination with papaya leaf gave the most satisfactory performance in all parameters compared to chicken manure, G. sepium, and cow dung in sole application, and their combined applications with paw-paw leaf and neem leaf. Incidence of pest (Podagrica spp) was minimal with the application of poultry manure in combination with papaya leaf, resulting in less severity leaf damage on okra. Key words: Okra, Organic, Biopesticides, Pest, Productivity, Tolerance.