International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue VIII, August 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

Effect of Okra Spacing on the Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Moench) In a Jatropha – Okra Intercrop

Makinde, A.I¹, Okunade R..F¹, Oluwafemi, M.O², Alabi,B.A¹, Akinboye, O³, Adedeji, J.A¹ And Ayodele, S.Y^1
1Department of Agriculture, Federal College of Agriculture, P.M.B 5029, IAR&T, Ibadan, Nigeria
²Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Nigeria
³Department of Agriculture and Industrial Technology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
Corresponding author*

Abstract: Intercropping is usually employed to meet the demand for nutritionally balanced food for the world’s increasing population and release intense pressure on land use. The study was conducted to evaluate the compatibility of Jatropha-okra intercrop and also to identify the appropriate okra spacing when inter-planted with Jatropha-okra at the experimental site of the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor plantation, Ibadan on latitude 7º22N and Longitude 3º50E. The experimental design used was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising of five treatments in three replicates. It includes sole okra, sole Jatropha and three cropping system with varied okra spacing of 30cm x 40cm, 30cm x 50cm, 30cm x 60cm.. Parameters assessed were plant height (cm), number of leaves and fruit yield. The result obtained revealed that Okra yield as a sole crop was similar to its yield under Jatropha intercrop which indicated that intercropping okra with Jatropha at its early stage will not affect the yield of okra plant. Even though growth of Jatropha and okra were better enhanced when okra was interplanted at 30x40cm, the impact on okra yield could not be established at the early stage of Jatropha plant growth.

Keywords: Okra, Jatropha, Intercrop, Growth, Yield.

I. INTRODUCTION

Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench (okra) an important vegetable crop grown both in the tropical and subtropical regions belonging to the family Malvaceae. In Nigeria, okra is one of the most important vegetables in terms of consumption and production area. It is chiefly grown for its immature pod which is rich in vitamins and minerals. Leaves, flowers and buds are also edible. Okra mucilage has medically found application as a plasma replacement or blood volume expander, an emollient, laxative and expectorant (Schippers, 2000). Industrially, okra mucilage is used to glace certain papers and also useful in confectionary among others. Okra production is a component of various cropping systems which includes traditional shifting cultivation, homestead garden and specialized horticultural farming (Okigbo and Greenland, 1990). A common intercropping combination in Nigeria is maize/okra and sweet potato intercropping.