Impact of seed treatments on emergence, growth, seed yield and quality of okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.)

Abstract

Okra is one of the most important summer vegetables, which is vulnerable to biotic and abiotic factors, which adversely affect its germination, growth, and yield. So, this study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of different chemicals alone and in combination on crop performance from seed germination to seed production. For this purpose, seeds of okra cv. Sabz Pari were treated with different chemicals (Thiophanate, Potash, Zinc sulphate, Rodamine and Humic Acid in combinations) along with non-treated control. Results of the present study showed that seed treatments with T7 {Potash (0.5 g) + Humic Acid (0.25 g) + Zinc sulphate (0.08 g) + Rodamine (0.5 g) + Thiophanate (0.5 g) per kg of seeds} took the minimum time (3 days) to attain 50% emergence, while non-treated seeds took 6.5 days with an emergence percentage 90.8% and 70.5%, respectively. Moreover, this combination of seed treatment in T7 depicted the highest seedlings shoot length (10.8 cm), root length (5.3 cm), seedling fresh (1.01 g) and dry weight (0.148 g) and chlorophyll contents (28.6 SPAD units) as compared to control. In field, T7 significantly increased plant height (120.7 cm), pod length (15.8 cm) and number of seeds per pod (68.7) and 1000 seed weight (58.56 g). Therefore, this combination {(Potash (0.5 g/kg of seed) + Humic Acid (0.25 g/kg of seed) + Zinc sulphate (0.08 g/kg of seed) + Rodamine (0.5 g/kg of seed) + Thiophanate (0.5 g/kg of seed)} can be utilized for good quality seed production.