Assessment of organic manures and fertilizers on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench cv. ‘Arka Anamika’) in morang, Nepal using variability, correlation, and path analysis

Okra is an important culinary vegetable cultivated extensively in sub-tropical regions of Nepal and India. This study was conducted in Morang, Nepal, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to evaluate the impact of various organic manures and fertilizers on okra yield and to apply statistical tools for optimizing breeding practices. The treatments included NPK (recommended dose), farmyard manure (FYM), goat manure, vermicompost + FYM, jholmol, mustard seed cake, and a control. The results showed significant treatment effects, with goat manure yielding the highest fresh pod yield (52.15 g/plant), while the control showed the lowest (40.56 g/plant). Path coefficient analysis revealed that plant height (direct effect = 1.79) and the number of pods (direct effect = 0.96) had the strongest direct effects on fresh pod yield. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between fresh pod yield and the number of pods (r = 0.90) and fresh pod weight (r = 0.84). The study supports the use of organic fertilizers, especially goat manure, for sustainable okra production and highlights the value of path analysis in identifying indirect traits like plant height and pod number to enhance selection for yield in breeding programs.