Assessment of liquid bio-botanicals on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) under south- eastern region of Rajasthan

Effect of Organic Nutrients on Okra in Southeastern Rajasthan

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023, Agricultural Research Station, Ummedganj, Kota, Rajasthan, to evaluate the effects of various liquid bio-botanicals on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) under the agro-climatic conditions of south eastern Rajasthan. The randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and ten treatments: control (T₀), Vermiwash spray (10%) at 30, 45, and 60 days after sowing (DAS) (T₁), Jeevamrut (500 L/ha) at sowing and at 30, 45, and 60 DAS (T₂), cow urine spray (10%) (T₃), panchagavya spray (5%) (T₄), Amritpaani (500 L/ha) (T₅), and combinations was used. The integrated application of jeevamrut and amritpaani (500 l/ha each at sowing), along with foliar sprays of panchagavya (5%) and vermiwash (10%) at 30, 45, and 60 DAS, significantly enhanced plant height, number of leaves, and number of branches compared to the control. This treatment also reduced days to first picking and improved fruit length, fruit weight and number of pickings. Further, it recorded higher gross returns, net returns, and benefit-cost ratio over other treatments. Thus, the integrated use of liquid bio-botanicals is a promising strategy for improving okra productivity and farm profitability under organic production systems in southeastern Rajasthan.