Evaluation of Okra Cultivars for Incidence of Bhindi Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus and Fruit Quality under Different Dates of Sowing

In the world's India is largest producer of okra. The date of planting and cultivar selection are critical cultural elements for achieving less incidence of Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV), optimum yield, high returns, and quality. It is a significant factor that influences the physiological, morphological, and yield aspects of any crop plant. The presents study was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science's Vegetable Research Farm in CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during the rainy season 2020–21 with five different dates of sowing i.e. S1 (15th June), S2 (30th June), S3 (15th July), S4 (30th July) and S5 (14th August) and three varieties V1 (Varsha Uphar), V2 (Hisar Naveen) and V3 (Hisar Unnat). According to the study, minimum infestation of Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (9.8%) and severity of disease (8.2%) were recorded when sowing was done on 15th June which was statistically at par with 30th June and 15th July dates of sowing, whereas, maximum was recorded when sown on 14th August. Among various cultivars, Hisar Naveen exhibited minimum infestation to YVMV (9.2%) and severity of disease (8.6%). However, in quality parameters the highest levels of dry matter, ash content, and acidity were observed on the 15th of July in the Hisar Naveen cultivar, while the lowest levels were noted on the 14th of August in the Hisar Unnat cultivar. The maximum amount of ascorbic acid content was recorded on the 14th of August, with the minimum observed on the 15th of June. Additionally, among the cultivars, Hisar Naveen exhibited the highest ascorbic acid content, while Hisar Unnat displayed the lowest under the prevailing climatic conditions in Haryana.