How To Grow Okra

 

How To Grow Okra

Botanical Name    :   Aelmoschus esculentus L.

Family                  :  Malvacae 

Chromosome No. :  2n = 130

                                                                                 
                                                                             

 

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an annual vegetable crop grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Its soft, green fruits are cooked in curries and soups. Its roots and stems are used to clarify the juice of sugarcane from which "jaggery" is prepared. Its fruits are rich in iodine, which helps in controlling the disease called Goitre, while its leaves are used to treat inflammation and dysentery. Bhindi fruits are helpful in relieving renal colic, leucorrhea and general weakness. 13-22 percent edible oil is extracted from the dried seeds of okra, and it contains 20-24 percent protein. Its oil is used in soap, cosmetic industry and vegetable oil when protein fortified food is prepared. Its seeds are crushed and fed to dairy animals so that they give more milk. Okra fiber is used in jute, textile and paper industry. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha are the major states of okra production.

History and Origin - The birthplace of okra is considered to be Africa and from there it reached other countries of the world. India is also considered to be its second birthplace, because it is still grown in wild form. Okra is cultivated all over India.

Nutritive Value - Vegetable is made from okra fruits. Apart from this, its soups and stews are also prepared. Paper is also made from its fruit. Its fruit is also used as medicine. Its seeds are ground and used as toothpaste or coffee. Okra fruits are also canned. Some people cut it and dry it and later make vegetables from it and eat it. Okra food-price table shows-

                                                    (Nutrition Value of Okra per 100 gms)           

Moisture                       : 89.60 g Protein                          : 1.90 g Fat                                 : 0.20 g Minerals                       : 0.70 g Fiber                             : 1.20 g Other Carbohydrates :  6.40 g Calcium                        : 66.00 mg Magnesium                  : 43.00 mg Oxalic Acid                 : 8.00 mg Phosphorus                : 56.00 mg Iron                            : 1.50 mg Sodium                      : 6.90 mg Potassium                 : 103.00 mg Copper                     : 0.19 mg Sulfur                       : 30.00 mg Thiamine                 : 0.07 mg Riboflavin               :0.10 mg Nicotinic  Acid      : 0.60 mg Vitamin C             : 13.00 mg Vitamin A             : 88.00 IU Calories                  : 35.00

                      How To Grow Okra At Home

Climate - For successful production of bhindi, a long, warm and humid growing period is required. It can be grown successfully in warm humid areas. It is a very sensitive crop to frost and very low temperatures. For normal growth and development, a temperature between 24°C and 28°C is considered to be the best. At 24°C temperature, the first flower bud develops on the third leaf axil, while at 28°C temperature, the sixth leaf develops on the axil. Higher temperatures are required for rapid growth, but due to high temperatures, fruit formation is delayed. At 40-42°C, the flowers may dry up and fall, which leads to a significant reduction in yield.

There should be proper moisture in the soil for seed germination. Germination is good when the temperature is between 250 to 35°C, but for quick germination, a temperature of 35°C is required. If the temperature is more than this, germination is delayed and weak seeds are not able to germinate.

In mountainous areas, ladyfinger is grown in summer, whereas in East, West and Northern India, 2 or 3 crops (summer, Kharif and late Kharif) can be taken, while in the mild climate of South India, ladyfinger can be grown throughout the year.

Soil -

Ladyfinger crop can be grown in sandy to clay soil, but due to its developed tap root, it requires fertile soil with proper drainage. Therefore, for its successful production, loose, friable, loamy soil with abundant manure is considered the best. The pH value of the soil is considered ideal to be 6.0-6.8. However, the Pusa Savani variety tolerates salts to some extent. Hence, it can be grown in fields with high pH value.

Improved Varieties

The main commercial varieties of ladyfinger have been mentioned, which are grown in different parts of the country-

Arka Abhay - The fruits of this variety resemble Arka Anamika, because it is its sister line, it is a variety resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus. It is a variety that tolerates fruit borer and by pruning it, a ratoon crop can be taken from it.

Arka Anamika - The plants of this variety are straight growing. They grow up to 100 cm in height. Its fruits are dark green in color, on which there are 5 raised stripes. After 50 days of sowing this variety, flowers start blooming from the sixth node and in 55 days the fruit is ready for first picking. It is a very good yielding variety in South India whereas it gives less yield in North India. It is a variety resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus. It gives a yield of up to 125 quintals per hectare.

Azad Kranti - Plants of this variety grow rapidly and sometimes develop branches. Fruits are green, smooth, shiny, long with 5 raised stripes and long beak, leaves are green. This variety is suitable for growing in spring-summer season.

This variety tolerates the disease called yellow vein mosaic virus. It gives a yield of 125 quintals per hectare.

Co. 1 - Plants of this variety grow tall, with 6 to 8 branches. Its stem, branches, the middle veins of the leaf blade and the basal veins are scarlet red in colour. Leaves are green and of medium size. Petioles are about 24 cm long. Fruits start appearing from the fifth node. Fruits are smooth, thin with five stripes and are scarlet red in colour. It does not remain red after being made into a vegetable. On an average 20 fruits are produced per plant. This variety is resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus but is prone to fruit borer and powdery mildew.

MDU 1 - Its plants grow tall, 6 fruits are produced on a plant. The stem is green in colour, with a hint of light purple. Fruits start appearing from the fourth-fifth node 33-35 days after sowing the seeds. Fruits are ready for first picking 45 days after sowing. Fruits are soft, 14-15 cm long with 5 stripes and 6-7 cm thick. About 70 quintals of yield is obtained per hectare.

Harbhajan Bhindi - Plants of this variety are quite tall, dense and bear a lot of fruits, the fruits of this variety are also quite long, bright green, thornless and mostly with eight stripes.

Gujarat Bhindi 1 - Plants of this variety grow up to 60 cm in height during spring-summer and 90 cm in Kharif season. Plants grow straight. Purple colour is visible on their stems. Leaves are broad, dark green and purple colour is visible on the veins of the leaves. First harvesting of fruits can be done 55-60 days after sowing. Fruits start appearing from the fourth-fifth node. Fruits are soft, 14-15 cm long and 6-7 cm thick and have five ridges. About 70 quintals of yield is obtained per hectare.

                       How To Plant And Grow Okra

Hisar Unnat - Plants of this variety grow up to medium height, have small inter nodes, 3-4 branches develop from each plant. The leaves are green. Fruits are ready for first harvesting 46-47 days after sowing seeds. Fruits are green, 15-16 cm long, attractive and five-edged. This variety can be grown in summer and Kharif seasons. This variety is resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus. It gives 120-130 quintals of yield per hectare.

Parbhani Kranti - This is a single stem, tall growing variety. Its leaves are dark green in colour. Fruits are ready for first harvesting 55 days after sowing seeds. Fruits are smooth, dark green, soft, thin, five-edged and have long beaks. This variety can be grown in spring-summer and Kharif seasons. This variety gives 85-90 quintals and 115 quintals of yield per hectare in spring-summer and Kharif seasons respectively. Seed yield is 5-6 quintals and 10 quintals in spring-summer and Kharif seasons respectively.

Perkins Long Green - Plants of this variety are green and straight growing and bear green fruits which are of excellent quality. This is an excellent variety for cultivation in low hilly areas with slightly cold climate.

Punjab 7 - This variety can be grown in Kharif and Spring-Summer seasons. Plants of this variety grow tall in Kharif and medium height in Spring-Summer. Its leaves are dark green. The plant is slightly hairy. Fruits are medium long, green, five ridges, some with pits and some with narrow tips. Fruits start appearing 50 days after sowing seeds and start appearing from the fifth and sixth node. Kharif and Spring-Summer crops yield 100 quintals and 50 quintals respectively.

Punjab – Plants of this variety are tall growing. Few hairs are found on its stem (petiole), leaves and fruit. Fruits are medium long, thin, soft and have five stripes. This variety is resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus disease. It also tolerates branch and fruit borer. It can be grown in both spring-summer and Kharif seasons in the plains of northern India.

Punjab Padmani – Plant of this variety is fast growing. It grows up to 180-200 cm in height. Leaves are dark green in colour. Plant is hairy. Pods are ready for first plucking after 53-54 days of sowing seeds.

Fruits are dark green in colour and fast growing, 15-20 cm long and have five stripes. Weight of each fruit is 20-21 grams. This variety is tolerant to yellow vein mosaic virus disease and is also capable of tolerating jassid. This variety can be grown in spring-summer and Kharif seasons. This variety gives 100-125 quintals of green fruits and 12.5 quintals of seeds per hectare.

Pusa A 4 – Plants of this variety are dark green in colour. Its leaves are broad, medium lobed. Fruits are attractive, dark green, 12-15 cm long, five-lobed and have good storage capacity. This variety is resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus. This variety is completely tolerant to aphid, green thrips and is tolerant to branch and fruit borer in spring-summer season crop. This variety gives 100-120 quintals and 175 quintals of yield per hectare in Kharif season and late Kharif season respectively.

Pusa Makhmali - Plants of this variety are hairy, tall, straight, with less branches and hairy leaves. Fruits are five-lobed and of very high quality. Fruits are light green in colour, 12-15 cm long and attractive. This variety is suitable for growing in hilly areas and virus-free areas in spring-summer in northern India and in kharif in southern India. The plant is hairy, tall and has few branches. Leaves are hairy.

DBR - This is a suitable variety for growing in northern plains and central areas.

DVR 2 - This is a suitable variety for growing in dry western plains.

Kalyanpur 1, 2, 3 and 4 - Leaves are green, smooth and mature early. These remain free from yellow vein mosaic virus disease to some extent.

Pusa Savani - This is a very popular variety of ladyfinger which is grown in the Kharif season in the plains of northern India. In the mountains, it can be grown in April-May. However, in the plains, it can be grown in the spring-summer. 45-50 days after sowing the seeds, the fruits are ready for the first harvesting. Fruits start appearing from the sixth-eighth node. 120-125 quintals of yield is obtained per hectare.

T.N. Hybrid 8 - This is a multi-branched variety. Its leaves are green, fruits are medium long, green, with five stripes. This variety is a high-yielding variety. Even in northern India, this variety is tolerant to yellow vein mosaic virus.

Varsha Uphaar - Plants of this variety grow to medium height from which 2-3 branches emerge. Leaves are dark green in colour. The lower leaves are broad and (lobes) are shallow. 46-47 days after sowing the seeds, the fruits are ready for the first picking. Fruits start appearing from the fourth node. ... Fruits are smooth, dark green, attractive, 15-20 cm long. 55-60 seeds are found per pod. The fruits of this variety grow rapidly. Therefore, they are picked at an interval of one day. This is a high yielding variety. It gives 100 quintals of fruits per hectare. This variety is resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus. It is recommended to be grown in disease prone areas.

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Varieties sold by private seed companies

Hybrid varieties - Varsha, Vijay, Adhunik, Panchali, Hybrid No. 6, 7 and 8 Nath Shobha, Supriya, Sungro, Arudha 1 3. 9 are popular varieties.

Preparation of land - First plough the field with a soil turning plough. After that plough 2-3 times with a harrow or cultivator. After every ploughing, do a levelling so that the soil becomes soft.

Treat the land with 2 kg of active element Furadan (20-22 kg of product). By doing this, the plants remain safe from root knot nematodes and other pests for 4-5 weeks. At this time, there should be sufficient moisture in the soil.

Manure and fertilizers - The fruits of ladyfinger are available for a very long period, therefore, to get its fruits regularly from this crop, a lot of and appropriate manure and fertilizers are required. Many researches have been done for the nutrition of ladyfinger crop. A brief description of which is given below -

- According to Singh (1960), before preparing the field, 250 quintals of cow dung manure should be added per hectare. -Yawalkar and colleagues (1962) have also recommended the following amount of manure and fertilizers per hectare-

- 8 cartloads of cow dung manure, 45 kg nitrogen, 22 kg phosphorus and 22 kg potash are recommended for a normal crop yielding 27-25 kg per hectare.

-Chhonkar and Singh (1963) did some basic work on chemical nutrients by growing okra in sand and found that the growth of okra plants was best when 210 ppm nitrogen, 237 ppm phosphorus and 78 ppm potash were used. The symptoms of the action of nutrients that they observed are as follows-

Nitrogen - stunted growth, thin branches, small sickly leaves, plants turn yellow in the end. Leaves become hard and crispy. Growth of plants stops soon. Fruits appear hard and small.

Phosphorus - dwarf growth, dark green leaves, no other specific symptoms.

Potash - less leaf formation, edges of leaves turn brown-yellow, brown spots appear on them. Leaves get scorched.

According to Desi and Nandpuri (1965), to get good yield of ladyfinger in Punjab, 20 cart loads of cow dung manure should be given per hectare, in addition to 56 kg nitrogen, 56 kg phosphorus.

Nandpuri and Singh (1967) have recommended giving 375-425 kg ammonium sulphate or calcium nitrate, 375 kg super phosphate and 125 kg potassium sulphate per hectare in ladyfinger crop in Punjab.

Punjab Agricultural University conducted experiments in 1965, 1966 and 1967 to find out the optimum requirement of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash in okra crop in sandy loam soil. In 1965, three types of nitrogen were added to the soil, 37, 75 and 113 kg per hectare, two types of phosphorus, 57 and 125 kg per hectare and two types of potash, 57 and 125 kg per hectare respectively, in the form of ammonium sulphate, super phosphate and muriate of potash. In 1966, some changes were made in this experiment. In 1965, the amount of 37 kg nitrogen per hectare did not have any significant effect, so it was removed and a quantity of 150 kg per hectare was included, but the quantities of phosphorus and potash which were in 1965 were kept the same. The results of the test showed that with the increase in the amount of phosphorous in the soil from 27 kg per hectare to 150 kg per hectare, the yield of okra, the height of the plants and the number of secondary branches in the plants increased in the same proportion. Any amount of potassium had no effect on the okra crop. The use of more than 57 kg of phosphorus proved to be harmful for the okra crop and reduced the growth and yield of okra plants.

                           How To Grow Okra From Seeds

According to Chaudhary (1967), to get a good crop of okra, about 2 weeks before sowing of okra, 12000 kg / hectare of cow dung manure should be added to the field and mixed well with the soil. After this, 150 kg of super phosphate, 50 kg of muriate of potash and 125 kg of ammonia sulphate should be added to the rows with the help of a drill before sowing and 125 kg of ammonium sulphate should be added to the field about 1 month after sowing.

Dhuriya and Shukla (1972) compared application in fertile soil and spraying on leaves and found that 60 kg nitrogen was applied in soil and 20 kg was sprayed on plants to give good yield of saleable okra. Similarly, 80 kg phosphorus was applied in soil and 20 kg phosphorus was sprayed on leaves to give the best yield.

Lal and Singh (1969) found no significant effect of nitrogen application on the yield of ladyfinger seeds.

Gupta and Rao (1979) found that the increase in the amount of nitrogen increased the size and yield of the fruit and the maximum amount of nitrogen was 110.9 kg per hectare which gave 112.1 quintals/hectare of saleable fruits.

Manure and fertilizers should be used only after soil testing. If soil testing is not possible, then in that case the following amount of manure and fertilizers should be applied per hectare.

Farm yard Manure: 25-30 tons

Nitrogen: 100 kg

Phosphorus: 50 kg

Potash: 50 kg

Farmer manure should be spread evenly in the field before preparing the field. A mixture of half the amount of nitrogen, full amount of phosphorus and potash should be made and put in the soil through a drill. The remaining quantity of nitrogen should be divided into two equal parts and applied. The first quantity should be applied 30 days after sowing the seeds and the second quantity should be applied 60 days later.

Sowing- Sowing of ladyfinger depends on where it is being grown. Ladyfinger is grown in plain and mountainous areas. Which is mentioned below-

(A) In the plains - In the plains of northern India, ladyfinger is sown twice a year, which is as follows-

1. Spring-summer crop - from the end of February to the beginning of March

2. Kharif crop - can be sown till the end of June

(B) In the mountainous areas - sowing is done in April-May.

                        How To Grow Lady Finger Plant At Home

Note- Summer sowing of ladyfinger is done in January-February in North-Eastern India, while in West Bengal it is sown from February to June. In the mild climate of South India, the crop of ladyfinger can be grown throughout the year.

Quantity of seeds - The quantity of bhindi seeds depends on the season in which it is being grown. Which is mentioned below-

Basant - Summer crop - 18-22 kg / hectare

Kharif crop - 8-10 kg / hectare

Note - More quantity of seeds has to be kept in Basant summer crop because germination is less due to low temperature and frequent irrigation.

Seed treatment - Seed treatment is very important to protect the bhindi crop from fungal diseases. For this, before sowing the seeds should be soaked overnight in a solution of 0.2 percent 'Bavistin'.

Method of sowing - Okra seeds are sown by hand dibbling, seed drill or in furrows behind the plough. Some farmers sow it by broadcasting method which is an unscientific method because this method requires more seeds and causes inconvenience in agricultural work.

Okra is usually sown by the following two methods -

1. Sowing in flat beds (Flate Sowing).

2. Sowing on ridges.

Of the above mentioned methods, sowing on ridges is the best because doing so has three major advantages -

1. Germination takes place uniformly.

2. Less water is required.

3. It helps in drainage during rains.

Planting distance- Planting distance has a special and important place in the successful production of ladyfinger, which farmers do not pay enough attention to. The planting distance of ladyfinger depends on the type of variety being grown. Generally, there are two types of ladyfinger varieties; viz. 1. Branched and 2. Unbranched. The planting distance and number of plants per hectare for both are given below-

Kharif- Branched varieties - 60 cm x 30 cm (55,000 plants).

Unbranched varieties - 45 cm x 30 cm (75,000 plants).

Summer- 45 cm x 30 cm or less.

Irrigation and drainage- Irrigation of bhindi crop depends on the season in which it is being grown; i.e. summer and kharif. Which is mentioned below-

In summer bhindi crop, the first irrigation is done when its true leaves start developing. While the remaining irrigations are done at an interval of 4-5 days. If the temperature exceeds 400, then in that case it is recommended to give frequent irrigations so that they can get water properly. The soil should be kept moist otherwise the plants will wilt. Up to 85 percent of water can be saved by drip irrigation. However, this method is not yet popular for bhindi crop. Furrow irrigation method is better than giving open water. Due to lack of moisture at the time of flowering and fruit formation, the crop gets damaged up to 70%. Nutrients are taken in large quantities at the time of growth stage and fruit formation. Therefore, the importance of irrigation increases even more at this time, in such a situation, lack of water not only reduces the yield but also causes a decrease in the nutrients in the ladyfinger fruits.

Irrigation in Kharif season depends on the distribution of rain. First irrigation should be done immediately after sowing the crop and the remaining irrigations depend on the rainfall. If there is no rain for a long period, then keep irrigating as per the requirement. There should be no shortage of moisture in the soil at the time of flowering and fruit formation.

If water accumulates in the crop grown in the rainy season due to excessive rain, then immediate arrangements should be made to drain it out, otherwise the crop turns yellow and dies.

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Weed control

Many weeds grow along with the bhindi crop which consume moisture and nutrients from the soil. Tests have shown that proper weed management in bhindi crop can prevent crop damage up to 90 percent. When the true leaves of bhindi plants develop, then the weeds grown along with the plants should be removed at that time. Weeding should be done 3-4 times after 20 days of sowing the seeds, after which the plants cover the soil surface.

Weedicides can be used for weed control in okra. Dicot weeds can be eliminated by spraying 1.2 kg Baspin 48 EC / hectare or 0.75 kg Stomp 30 EC / hectare respectively before sowing the seeds and before germination.

Crop Protection

Aphid (Aphis gossipi) – This is a small sized insect, which lives in groups and is found on tender leaves and fruits. It causes a lot of damage by sucking their juice.

Control –

- The parts which are attacked by them should be broken and destroyed.

- 0.05% Dimethoate or Methyl Demeran should be sprayed 20 and 35 days after sowing the seeds.

White fly (Bemisia tabaci) – This fly sucks the juice from the leaves and spreads yellow-vein mosaic virus disease in them. It does this work in summer. The crop gets damaged up to 80-90%.

Control –

- Spray Triazophos or Fish Oil Rosin Soap (2%). Soak 100 grams of Fish Oil Rosin Soap in 5 liters of water (60-80 °C) for 4 hours. Then add water to it and make it upto 50 liters and then spray.

Leaf hopper (Amrasca bai gula) - Nymphs of this insect which are of different colour are found on small leaves. They are found on the lower surface of the leaves. Due to their attack, the edges of the leaves turn upwards.

Control -

- Spray 0.05% monocrotophos 21 and 35 days after sowing the seeds.

Shoot and fruit borer (Erias bittella) - The affected shoots bend downwards. The borers enter the fruits and fill the inside with their excreta, due to which the fruit becomes completely useless.

Control -

- Break the diseased fruits and shoots and burn them.

- Spray carbaryl (0.15%) at an interval of 10 days.

- Spray quinalphos/chlorpyrifos (0.05%) once in 15 days. - Spray Fenvalerate (0.01%) once in 21 days.

Diseases

Ination Leaf Curl - This disease is transmitted by white fly. First six inations are formed on the leaves which later develop into warts. Later the leaves start curling which turn towards the aedesil. Soft and solid inations form in large numbers on the lower surface of the leaves. The main stem becomes twisted. Due to this disease, the crop gets damaged up to 30-40 percent.

Control -

- As soon as the symptoms of the disease appear on the plants, uproot them and destroy them.

- Spray a solution of Dimethoate (C.05%) at an interval of 10 days.

Yellow Vein Mosaic - This disease is transmitted by white fly. The veins of the leaves turn yellow. The plant remains dwarf. Fruit formation is affected. It results in small deformed fruits which are extremely hard. This disease causes 80-90% damage to the crop.

Control-

- Remove the diseased plants and burn or destroy them.

- Grow disease resistant varieties such as Arka Abhay, Arka Anamika.

- Spray mineral oil (2%) twice.

- Spray dimethoate (0.05%) 4-5 times at an interval of 10 days.

How To Grow Okra

Picking of Fruits-

When should the fruits of okra be picked? This is a very important issue. Picking it early and late are both harmful. Early picking gives less yield and also reduces its storage capacity whereas late picking causes the fibre to ripen and the fruits are not edible. Hence, their market price goes down. Hence, its fruits should be picked when the fruit is fully developed and soft. It is advisable to pick the fruits of okra on alternate days. Cheap hand gloves or cloth bags should be used for picking the fruits so that your hands remain safe. Picking of fruits should be done in the morning. If the fruits are to be sent to distant markets, then the fruits should be picked in the evening and sent to distant markets for sale at night.

After picking the fruits, they should be graded. Insect-infested fruits should be separated. For processing industry and export, 6-8 cm of fruits should be removed. Long fruits should be separated. Long fruits are used for fresh marketing. For the local market, the fruits are first cooled. Then they are placed in jute sacks or baskets, covered and stitched and sent.

Water is also sprinkled on them so that they do not dry. For export, the fruits are placed in paper cartons of appropriate size and first cooled and transported to the cargo through refrigerator vans. For export, soft, dark green, straight and 6-8 cm long fruits are required.

Yield - The yield of ladyfinger depends on many things. These include the fertility of the land, the variety grown, the season and the care of the crop. Summer and rainy season crops yield 50 quintals and 100 quintals per hectare respectively, while 12-15 quintals of seed is obtained per hectare.