Impact of plant population and weed control methods on profitability, weed infestation, growth and yield of okra

Abstract

Field experiment was carried out at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta during 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons to investigate effect of okra plant population and different weed control strategies on growth, yield and their profitability in okra. Split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications was adopted in this trial. The main plot treatment were three okra plant population viz.: 55,555 plants/ha, 111,111 plants/ha and 166,667 plants/ha, while sub plots treatments were six weed control strategies. The results showed that, crop vigour, okra yield increased with increase in plant population, while the fruit girth decreased with increase in plant population. The least total weed biomass was recorded with planting okra at 166,667 plants/ha. Application of Metolachlor at 1.0 kg a.i/ha plus supplementary hoe weeding and hoe weeding at 3, 6, 9 weeks after planting (WAP) resulted in vigorously growing crops and higher okra yield than hoe weeding at 3 WAP, hoe weeding at 3, 6 WAP. Similarly, application of Metolachlor at 1.0 kg a.i/ha plus supplementary hoe weeding and hoe weeding at 3, 6, 9 WAP gave a superior weed control than all other weed control measures. Though hoe weeding at 3, 6, 9 WAP and application of Metolachlor at 1.0 kg a.i/ha plus supplementary hoe weeding gave similar okra yield, application of Metolachlor at 1.0 kg a.i/ha plus supplementary hoe weeding gave the higher profit ($1349.6) compared to hoe weeding at 3, 6, 9 WAP ($1248.3) and therefore recommended in okra production. Not applicable.