Effect of sowing dates on the growth and seed production of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] during the off-season in Burkina Faso

<p>Okra is a widely cultivated traditional vegetable in Burkina Faso. Its fruits are rich in micronutrients, vitamins, fiber, and mucilage, making it an essential dietary supplement. Despite its potential, okra cultivation faces challenges due to the limited availability of quality seeds. This study aimed to identify optimal sowing dates for producing high-quality okra seeds in Burkina Faso. Nine okra genotypes were evaluated under field conditions in Gampela during the 2022-2023 dry season. Sowing was conducted on three different dates (January 16, February 6, and February 27). Parameters related to germination, growth, and seed production were measured. Results revealed that sowing date significantly influenced plant growth and germination rates. Plants sown on February 6 (DS2) exhibited the best balance of growth, seed production, and germination rates (75.67%). Although January 16 (DS1) achieved the second-highest germination rate (67%) after DS2, growth parameters such as plant height and stem diameter were lower. February 27 (DS3) promoted maximum plant height but resulted in lower germination rates (55.74%) and fewer capsules. Genotypes Pusa Sawani, O2, and TOT2786 demonstrated adaptability to varying sowing dates, providing reliable options for farmers. The findings recommend prioritizing February sowing for optimal seed quality and yield under dry season conditions in Burkina Faso.</p> <p>published by the <strong> <a href="https://innspub.net/international-journal-of-biosciences/">International Journal of Biosciences (IJB)</a></strong></p>