Effect of Seeding Rate On Growth And Yield Of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculantus) In Zuru Northern Guinea Savanna Of Nigeria

Field experiment was carried out during 2010 rainy season to find the effect of seeding rate on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmuschus esculentus) in Zuru Northern Guinea Savannah. Zuru is located in Zuru Local government area of Kebbi State (Latitude 11^o 25¹ to 11^o 55¹ North and Longitude 4^o 5¹ to 5^o 25¹ East of the equator). The experiment consisted of three treatments that is planting okra at one plant per stand (S₁), two plants per stand (S₂) and three plants per stand (S₃). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and the treatments replicated three time. The result of the experiment has shown that plant height and number of leaves/plant at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after planting (    WAP) were significantly influenced by seeding rate (P<0.05). At 3, 6 and 9 WAP tallest plants were obtained from okra plants planted at three plants/stand (27.83, 54.0 and 77.0cm) respectively followed by okra planted at two plant/stand (24.77, 50.67 and 74.33 leave/plant respectively ). However, more number of leaves/plant were obtained from okra plant at one plant/stand (9.67, 24.67 and 48.0 leaves/plant respectively) followed by okra planted at two plants/stand (8.33, 18.33 and 36.33 leaves/plant respectively). Seeding rate had significant influence on time of 50 percent flowering with one plant/stand first attaining 50 percent flowering stage just within 36.33 days followed by okra planted at two plants/stand (38 days). The mean fresh fruit yield of okra was also significantly influenced by seeding rate with the highest yield of fresh fruits obtained from three plants/stand (83.34/ha) followed by okra planted at two plants/stand (55.56/ha). However, the result of the findings recommends that, okra should be planted at two plants/stand for medium sized and marketable okra fresh fruits since at three plants/stand leads to the production of undersized fresh fruits which do not often attract customers. At one plant/stand, there seemed to be early fruiting and bigger sized fresh fruits but low total yield due to underutilization of land resource/space. Planting at one plant/stand should therefore be avoided