Effect of Genotypes and De-Topping on Growth and Yield of Okra

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the Department of Horticulture in Sylhet Agricultural University to evaluate the growth and yield performance of three okra genotypes (viz. BARI Dherosh-1, BARI Dherosh-2 & RAJ F1) under special management practices (viz. de-topping & non de-topping) from March to July 2022. The two factor experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. BARI Dherosh-1 showed vigorous growth nature having maximum yield and yield contributing characters viz. the highest plant height (20.46 cm) at 30 DAS (Days After Sowing) and at 1st harvest (108.23 cm ), early flowering (51.33 days), the maximum number of leaves per plant (4.71), number of branches (2.96), number of pods per plant (43.80), the highest individual pod weight (20.96 g), pod yield per plant (916.75 g) as well as per hectare yield (30.53 t) than the other two genotypes. Contrary, the lowest individual pod weight (18.80 g), pod yield per plant (638.72 g), and per hectare yield (21.28 t) were produced by genotype RAJ F1. Due to removing apical parts at 30 DAS, the shortest plants were observed in the de-topping system (85.69 cm). Again, Individual pod weight (20.87 g), pod yield per plant (887.95 g), and per hectare yield (29.57 t) were higher in non de-topping system than the de-topping system. Considering the interaction effect, BARI Dherosh-2 performed better under non de-topping system having the highest pod breadth (2.05 cm) and pod yield per plant (1007.86 g) and per hectare yield (33.56 t). Actually, de-topping at 30 DAS had no beneficial effect on yield or yield contributing characters. So, BARI Dherosh-2 might be recommended for the Sylhet region to ensure maximum benefit without de-topping.