The influence of harvesting stages and drying methods on fruit and seed quality of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.] cultivar Asontem was studied to determine the optimum stage of harvest and suitable drying method. The fruit length and diameter progressively increased and reached its peak at 30 days after anthesis by recording 9.50 and 2.83cm respectively and subsequently decreased slightly. The higher seed moisture content (46.5%) was obtained at the early harvesting stage (10 day after anthesis (DAA) and decreased to as low as 22.1% at 50 DAA. Seed maturation and quality parameters were highly significant (p=0.05) at different harvesting stages. Maximum seed dry weight (4.1 g) occurred at 40 DAA regardless of the drying method. Maximum standard germination (77.0%) occurred at 50 DAA when seed moisture content was lowest (22.1%). The optimum stage for harvesting fruit of okra cultivar Asontem for high seed germinability was found to be 40 days after anthesis, followed by shade drying fruits before seed extraction.

<p>This study was set to investigate the germinability and storability of the newly released cowpea genotypes and secondly the influence of different storage materials under ambient storage condition on seed vigour and germination over time. The experiment was laid in a Split-split plot design with four replicates. The main plot was duration (0, 30, 60 and 90 days), while Storage material (polyethylene bag, cotton bag and glass container) was sub plot and the four cowpea genotypes were sub-sub plot. Results from the study showed that irrespective of the cowpea genotypes and storage material used, percentage vigour and germination were significantly affected with time in storage. Seeds stored in cotton bags had the least percentage vigour (57%) and germination (65%) while the highest was recorded for seeds stored in air-tight glass containers. Among all the cowpea genotypes studied, Hewale was found to have poor storage abilities. For better storage of cowpea seeds for a period exceeding 3 months, it is preferable to use glass containers or black polyethylene bags even under ambient condition to maintain seed vigour and germinability.</p>

No abstract