The Pharma Innovation Journal 2023; 12(7): 3155-3158

ISSN (E): 2277-7695

ISSN (P): 2349-8242
NAAS Rating: 5.23 Effect of different sowing time and planting distance on
TPI 2023; 12(7): 3155-3158
© 2023 TPI pod yield and quality of okra
www.thepharmajournal.com
Received: 12-04-2023
Accepted: 16-05-2023 Dixita Padhiyar, DR Kanzaria, HJ Senjaliya and HV Vasava
Dixita Padhiyar
Department of Vegetable Abstract
Science, College of Horticulture, The experiment titled "Effect of different sowing time and planting distance on yield and quality of okra
Junagadh Agricultural (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)" was carried out during the summer season of the year 2022 at
University, Junagadh, Gujarat, the farm of Polytechnic in Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh. The study involved
India nine treatment combinations, including three sowing times: 2nd fortnight of February (S1), 2nd fortnight of
March (S2), and 2nd fortnight of April (S3), and three planting distances: 45 cm × 30 cm (D1), 60 cm × 30
DR Kanzaria
cm (D2), and 75 cm × 30 cm (D3). The experimental design used was a Randomized Block Design with a
Department of Vegetable
factorial concept, and the experiment was replicated three times. The results indicated that okra seeds
Science, College of Horticulture,
Junagadh Agricultural sown during the 2nd fortnight of March (S2) demonstrated superior performance in various aspects. This
University, Junagadh, Gujarat, sowing time resulted in maximum pod length (12.91 cm), pod diameter (2.10 cm), number of pods per
India plant (15.22), average weight of 10 pods (120.52 g), total number of pickings (13.78), marketable pod
yield per net plot (1.92 kg), marketable pod yield per hectare (4.62 t), chlorophyll content (28.44 SPAD),
HJ Senjaliya and ascorbic acid content (6.57 mg/100 g). In summary, sowing okra seeds during the 2nd fortnight of
Department of Vegetable March led to improved yield and quality attributes, making it a favourable time for maximizing the
Science, College of Horticulture, production and nutritional content of okra.
Junagadh Agricultural
University, Junagadh, Gujarat, Keywords: Okra, planting distance, sowing time, quality
India

HV Vasava 1. Introduction
Department of Vegetable Okra, scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench belongs to the Malvaceae
Science, College of Horticulture, family and is commonly referred to as Lady's Finger or Bhendi. It is a plant with a
Junagadh Agricultural chromosome no. of 2n=130, as described by Gadwal et al. in 1968 [3]. Believed to have
University, Junagadh, Gujarat, originated in tropical or subtropical regions of Africa, okra is now widely cultivated as a
India
significant warm-season vegetable crop in various parts of the world, including tropical and
subtropical areas and the Mediterranean region. While primarily grown as a rain-fed crop, okra
thrives when provided with adequate irrigation during the Kharif and summer seasons. It holds
a prominent place in Indian cuisine as one of the most popular and cherished vegetables.
Beyond its culinary uses, okra has substantial industrial and medicinal importance. The plant is
primarily cultivated for its tender and edible fruits, which are used in various culinary
preparations.
Additionally, okra fruits can be processed and preserved in forms like canned, fried,
dehydrated, or frozen to be enjoyed even outside their regular season. They can also be boiled
and served as a salad or used as a flavorful addition to soups. Interestingly, the roots and stems
of the okra plant play a role in the sugar and jaggery-making process by cleaning the cane
juice, as noted by Chauhan in 1972. In Turkey, the mature seeds of okra are roasted, crushed,
and utilized as a substitute for coffee (Mehta, 1959) [8]. Moreover, the mature fruits and their
stems contain crude fibre, which finds application in the paper industry. Extracts from okra
seeds serve as an alternative source of edible oil. The greenish-yellow edible oil derived from
okra seeds is rich in unsaturated fats, such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, which contribute to
its pleasant flavour and aroma. The seed itself contains a substantial 40% oil content, making it
a valuable source of oil.
In addition, okra has been found to be effective against conditions like spermatorrhea, chronic
dysentery and genitourinary diseases, as noted by Nandkarni in 1927. Okra's yield and quality
Corresponding Author:
Dixita Padhiyar
are significantly impacted by the sowing of dates. Because good cultivars seeded at the wrong
Department of Vegetable time provide low yields, various cultivars require varied sowing times. Sowing at the right
Science, College of Horticulture, time is essential to increasing okra production. Plants that are sown at the right time benefit
Junagadh Agricultural from climatic conditions, have long growth periods, receive adequate rainfall and experience
University, Junagadh, Gujarat, ideal temperatures during establishment and the early vegetative stage.
India
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Fresh fruit yield and financial gains are consequently okra. Specifically, sowing okra seeds during the 2nd fortnight
possible. Incorrect planting dates result in shorter duration, of March resulted in a significant increase in pod length
insufficient use of rainfall, low temperatures during (12.91 cm), pod diameter (2.10 cm), number of pods per plant
establishment and the early vegetative stage and fruit that (15.22), average weight of 10 pods (120.52 g), total number
takes longer to reach marketable size. Okra's fruit yield is of pickings (13.78), marketable pod yield per net plot (1.92
reduced as a result of the delayed seeding. A higher fresh kg), and marketable pod yield per hectare (4.62 t). These
weight of fruit, more fruits per plant, and a higher fruit output findings are consistent with previous research by Undie and
per plant are all benefits of seeding at the right time. Litio (2018) [12], Bake et al. (2017) [1], Morwal and Patel
Planting density plays a crucial role in the cultivation of okra. (2017) [10], Ghannad et al. (2014) [4], and Ijoyah et al. (2010)
The right plant density is vital to ensure optimal growth, [5]
in the context of okra. Additionally, similar results were
yield, and fruit quality. Inadequate plant spacing can lead to reported by Vasava et al. (2023) [13] in their study on Brinjal.
poor growth, low yield, and inferior fruit quality. On the other In summary, the study clearly indicates that sowing okra
hand, excessive plant density can result in vigorous growth seeds during the 2nd fortnight of March is advantageous for
but may lead to reduced fruit quality and overall output due to obtaining higher yields and improved quality, aligning with
increased competition among plants. Farmers often encounter the findings from previous research in both okra and brinjal
challenges related to plant spacing, making it a critical aspect
crops.
of crop production. Proper spacing is essential as it reduces
competition between plants and weeds, allowing okra plants
4.2 Planting distance
to thrive. Optimum spacing promotes favourable growth
conditions, higher yield and improved fruit quality in okra The collected data clearly indicated that different planting
production. Achieving the right plant density is of utmost distances significantly influenced various yield parameters of
importance because it directly influences plant development okra. Treatment D3 (45 cm × 30 cm) demonstrated the
and ultimately impacts the overall yield of okra. Therefore, maximum pod length (11.94 cm), pod diameter (1.96 cm),
careful consideration and implementation of appropriate plant and an average weight of 10 pods (112.54 g). Meanwhile,
spacing are vital for successful okra cultivation, ensuring treatment D2 (60 cm × 30 cm) showed the highest number of
better crop productivity and quality. pods per plant (13.86), and treatments D1 (45 cm × 30 cm)
and D2 (60 cm × 30 cm) resulted in the maximum total
2. Materials and Methods number of pickings (12.44).
The experiment was carried out during the summer season of Moreover, treatment D1 (45 cm × 30 cm) exhibited the highest
2022 at the Polytechnic in Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural marketable pod yield per net plot (1.88 kg) and marketable
University, Junagadh. It followed a Randomized Block pod yield per hectare (4.36 t). These findings are consistent
Design with a factorial concept and was replicated thrice. The with previous studies conducted by Bake et al. (2017) [1],
study included three sowing time treatments, namely S1 (2nd Morwal and Patel (2017) [10], Maurya et al. (2013) [7], and
fortnight of February), S2 (2nd fortnight of March) and S3 (2nd Moniruzzaman et al. (2007) [9] in the context of okra.
fortnight of April) as factor-S, and three planting distance In summary, the results clearly indicate that different planting
treatments, D1 (45 cm × 30 cm), D2 (60 cm × 30 cm), and D3 distances have a significant impact on various yield
(75 cm × 30 cm) as factor-B. Each treatment combination was parameters of okra, with treatment D3 (45 cm × 30 cm)
replicated three times. To prepare the experimental field, providing the best results in terms of pod length, pod
thorough ploughing was done, and the soil was brought to a diameter, and average weight of 10 pods. Treatment D2 (60
fine tilth. Harrowing and planking were carried out before cm × 30 cm) resulted in the highest number of pods per plant,
laying out the plots. The required area was marked, and a total while treatments D1 (45 cm × 30 cm) and D2 (60 cm × 30 cm)
of 27 plots were set up according to the designated layout produced the maximum total number of pickings.
plan. At each spot, two to three okra seeds were sown, and Additionally, treatment D1 (45 cm × 30 cm) yielded the
after germination, thinning of seedlings was performed to highest marketable pod yield per net plot and per hectare,
maintain one plant per stand. For soil fertility, fertilizers were aligning with findings from previous research in the field of
applied at the rate of 150 kg/ha nitrogen and 50 kg/ha okra cultivation.
phosphorus. During the cropping period, irrigation was
carried out based on the crop's specific water needs. 4.3 Interaction effect
In summary, the experiment was conducted using a The yield parameters of okra were significantly influenced by
Randomized Block Design with factorial treatment
the interaction effect of sowing time and planting distance.
combinations and replicated thrice. The field preparation
Treatment combination S2D3 (2nd fortnight of March + 75 cm
included ploughing, harrowing, and planking and specific
× 30 cm) resulted in the maximum number of pods per plant
planting distances and sowing times were applied for the okra
crop. Adequate fertilizers and irrigation were provided to (16.73). Similarly, treatment combination S2D2 (2nd fortnight
support the growth and development of the plants. of March + 60 cm × 30 cm) reported the highest marketable
pod yield per net plot (2.46 kg), while treatment combination
3. Result and Discussion S1D1 (2nd fortnight of February + 45 cm × 30 cm) and
The effect of different sowing times and planting distances treatment combination S2D2 (2nd fortnight of March + 60 cm ×
with their interaction effect on yield and quality parameters 30 cm) yielded the highest marketable pod yield per hectare
are tabulated in Tables 1, 2 and 3. (5.61 t). These findings are consistent with previous research
conducted by Undie and Litio (2018) [12], Bake et al. (2017)
[1]
4. Yield Parameters , Morwal and Patel (2017) [10], Ghannad et al. (2014) [4], and
4.1 Sowing time Ijoyah et al. (2010) [5] in the context of okra.
The investigation results clearly showed that different sowing In conclusion, the study highlights the significant influence of
times had a significant impact on various yield parameters of the interaction between sowing time and planting distance on
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the yield parameters of okra. Treatment combinations 5.2 Planting distance

involving specific sowing times and planting distances The quality parameters of okra were notably affected by
resulted in higher pod numbers and greater marketable pod different planting distances. Treatment with a plant spacing of
yields, aligning with the findings from previous research in 60 cm × 30 cm resulted in the highest chlorophyll content
the field of okra cultivation. (26.99 SPAD), while treatment D3 (75 cm × 30 cm) exhibited
the maximum ascorbic acid content (6.53 mg/100 g).
5. Quality parameters However, the various planting distances had no significant
5.1 Sowing time impact on the crude fibre content of okra pods. These findings
The quality parameters of okra were significantly impacted by align closely with the results reported by Kumar et al. (2015)
[6]
the different sowing times. Specifically, sowing okra seeds , providing further evidence of the influence of planting
during the 2nd fortnight of March resulted in significantly distance on the quality attributes of crops.
higher chlorophyll content (28.44 SPAD) and maximum In conclusion, the study revealed that different planting
ascorbic acid content (6.57 mg/100 g). However, the crude distances significantly affected the chlorophyll and ascorbic
fibre content showed no significant variation with different acid content of okra. Treatment with a spacing of 60 cm × 30
sowing times. These findings are consistent with the results of cm showed higher chlorophyll content, while treatment D3 (75
a study conducted by Kumar et al. (2015) [6] in onion, further cm × 30 cm) demonstrated greater ascorbic acid content.
confirming the influence of sowing time on the quality However, the crude fibre content remained unaffected by the
attributes of crops. varied planting distances. These observations are in
In summary, the study demonstrated that the timing of sowing agreement with the findings of Kumar et al. (2015) [6] in a
has a significant effect on the chlorophyll and ascorbic acid similar context.
content of okra. Sowing during the 2nd fortnight of March
yielded higher levels of these quality parameters, while crude 5.3 Interaction effect
fibre content remained relatively consistent across different The interaction effect of different sowing times and planting
sowing times. These results align with similar observations distances did not show any significant influence on all three
made in onion cultivation by Kumar et al. (2015) [6]. quality parameters.

Table 1: Effect of different sowing time and planting distance on yield parameters of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)
Treatment Pod length (cm) Pod diameter (cm) Average weight of 10 pods (g) Total number of pickings
Factor A: Sowing time (S) (Three levels)
S1: 2nd fortnight of February 11.05 1.86 107.94 12.56
S2: 2nd fortnight of March 12.91 2.10 120.52 13.78
S3: 2nd fortnight of April 10.15 1.63 93.76 10.11
S.Em ± 0.152 0.062 1.838 0.225
C. D. at 5% 0.43 0.18 5.23 0.64
Factor B: Planting distance (D) (Three levels)
D1: 45 cm × 30 cm 10.79 1.73 101.51 12.44
D2: 60 cm × 30 cm 11.37 1.89 108.17 12.44
D3: 75 cm × 30 cm 11.94 1.96 112.54 11.56
S.Em ± 0.152 0.062 1.838 0.225
C. D. at 5% 0.43 0.18 5.23 0.64
Interaction (S X D)
S.Em ± 0.263 0.107 3.184 0.389
C. D. at 5% NS NS NS NS
C. V. % 8.01 9.91 7.13 6.54

Table 2: Effect of different sowing time and planting distance on yield parameters of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)
Treatment Number of pods per plant Marketable pod yield (kg/net plot) Marketable pod yield (t/ha)
Factor A: Sowing time (S) (Three levels)
S1: 2nd fortnight of February 14.52 1.78 4.26
S2: 2nd fortnight of March 15.22 1.92 4.62
S3: 2nd fortnight of April 9.90 0.95 2.33
S. Em ± 0.205 0.039 0.099
C. D. at 5% 0.58 0.11 0.28
Factor B: Planting distance (D) (Three levels)
D1: 45 cm × 30 cm 12.10 1.88 4.36
D2: 60 cm × 30 cm 13.86 1.82 4.20
D3: 75 cm × 30 cm 13.69 0.95 2.64
S. Em ± 0.205 0.039 0.099
C. D. at 5% 0.58 0.11 0.28
Interaction (S X D)
S1D1 13.07 2.42 5.61
S1D2 16.03 2.02 4.68
S1D3 14.47 0.89 2.48
S2D1 14.10 2.16 4.99

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S2D2 14.83 2.46 5.61

S2D3 16.73 1.17 3.25
S3D1 9.13 1.07 2.49
S3D2 10.70 1.00 2.31
S3D3 9.87 0.78 2.18
S.Em ± 0.355 0.067 0.172
C.D. at 5% 1.01 0.19 0.49
C.V. % 8.66 7.48 7.48

Table 3: Effect of different sowing time and planting distance on America. 2010;1(6):1328-1332.
quality parameters of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) 6. Kumar S, Tomar BS, Jain SK, Singh N, Munshi AD.
Chlorophyll Ascorbic acid Effect of planting time and density on plant growth, seed
Treatment yield and quality attributes in onion (Allium cepa) cv.
content (SPAD) content (mg/100 g)
Factor A: Sowing time (S), (Three levels) Pusa Riddhi. Indian J Agric. Sci. 2015;85(12):1578-1585.
S1: 2nd fortnight of February 25.98 6.47 7. Maurya RP, Bailey J, Chandler J. Impact of plant spacing
S2: 2nd fortnight of March 28.44 6.57 and picking interval on the growth, fruit quality and yield
S3: 2nd fortnight of April 24.47 6.26 of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench). Amer. J
S.Em ± 0.202 0.044 Agri. Forest. 2013;1(4):48-54.
C.D. at 5% 0.57 0.13 8. Mehta YR. Vegetables growing in Uttar Pradesh. Bureau
Factor B: Planting distance (D), (Three levels) of Agricultural Research. 1959;31:215-218.
D1: 45 cm × 30 cm 25.67 6.36 9. Moniruzzaman M, Uddin MZ, Choudhary AK. Response
D2: 60 cm × 30 cm 26.99 6.40 of okra seed crop to sowing time and plant spacing in
D3: 75 cm × 30 cm 26.23 6.53
southeastern hilly region of Bangladesh. Bangladesh J
S.Em ± 0.202 0.044
Agril. Res. 2007;32(3):393-402.
C.D. at 5% 0.57 0.13
10. Morwal BR, Patel MC. Growth and yield of okra
Interaction (S X D)
S.Em ± 0.349 0.077 (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) as affected by date of
C.D. at 5% NS NS sowing and spacing under north Gujarat condition. J
C.V. % 4.30 5.08 Krishi Vigyan. 2017;6(1):93-96.
11. Nandkarni KM. Indian Meteria Medica. Nadkarni and Co
6. Conclusion Bombay; c1927.
Based on the findings of the present investigation, it can be 12. Undie, Litio U. Influence of planting date and harvesting
concluded that sowing okra seeds during the 2nd fortnight of sequence on growth and fruit/seed yields in West African
March (S2) resulted in better performance in both yield and okra {Abelmoschus called [A. Chev (Stevels)]}. Int. J
quality parameters. On the other hand, planting okra at a Agric. Earth Sci. 2018;4(4):8-17.
wider spacing of 75 cm × 30 cm (D3) showed better outcomes 13. Vasava HV, Chaudhari TM, Parasana JS, Varu DK, Patel
for yield and quality parameters. However, it is noteworthy S, Mishra S. Performance of different grafted variety and
that the highest marketable pod yield was obtained from mulching in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L). Agricultural
plants grown at a closer spacing of 60 cm × 30 cm (D2). In Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
light of these results, for achieving maximum yield and 2023;54(4):12981-12988.
maintaining quality, it is recommended to sow okra during the
2nd fortnight of March and utilize a spacing of 60 cm × 30 cm.
This combination has demonstrated superior performance in
terms of both yield and quality parameters, making it an
optimal choice for okra cultivation.

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