Effect of Different Organic Treatments on Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculetus L.) in Prayagraj Region

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during the Kharif season of 2024 to study the effect of different organic treatments on the growth, yield, and quality of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]. The need to conduct this study arose from the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices and the search for viable organic alternatives to conventional chemical fertilizers, which have been linked to environmental degradation and increasing production costs. Organic farming is increasingly being recognized for its potential to improve soil health, reduce environmental impacts, and provide economically viable solutions for farmers. In this context, the experiment aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various organic amendments in enhancing okra cultivation under organic conditions. The experiment followed a randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments:T0: 100% recommended NPK (100:80:50 kg/ha) (100%), T1:  Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria 5g + Farm yard manure (100%) (20 t/ha), T2: Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria 5g + Poultry manure (100%) (15 t/ha), T3: Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria 5g + Vermicompost (100%) (5 t/ha), T4: Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria 5g + Neem cake (100%) (2 t/ha), T5: Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria 5g + 50% FYM (10 t/ha) + 50% poultry manure (7.5 t/ha), T6: PSB 5g + 50% FYM (10 t/ha) + 50% vermicompost (2.5 t/ha), T7: PSB 5g + 50% poultry manure (7.5 t/ha) + 50% vermicompost (2.5 t/ha), T8: PSB 5g + FYM (5 t/ha) + Poultry manure (3.75t/ha)+  Vermicompost (1.25t/ha) + Neem cake (0.5t/ha) (1:1:1:1). Results revealed that  days to germination,  days to 50% germination, plant height (cm),  number of leaves per plant,  number of  branches/plant,  days to 1st flowering,  days to 50% flowering,  fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm),  fruit weight (g),  number of fruit per plant,  fruit yield per plant (g), fruit yield (t/ha),  ascorbic acid (mg/100g) and  TSS ( ̊Brix) were maximum with the application of the T8 [ PSB 5g + FYM (5 t/ha) + Poultry manure (3.75t/ha)+  Vermicompost (1.25t/ha) + Neem cake (0.5t/ha) (1:1:1:1)] in okra. It is also recorded that T8 gave maximum Gross Returns (INR 256560/ha), Net Return (INR 193785/ha) and Cost benefit ratio of 4.08. So, the treatment combination T8 can be taken for better income of farmers and stakeholders for okra cultivation in Prayagraj region due to its superior growth, yield, quality, and profitability under organic conditions.