Question

What is the ideal seed rate for okra for rainy season crop?

• A. 18-22 kg/ha
• B. 8-10 kg/ha
• C. 4-6 kg/ha
• D. 16-18 kg/ha

Hint:

Okra seed rate varies by season and variety type:
Rainy Season (OPV): Generally 8-10 kg/ha.
Summer Season (OPV): Can be slightly higher (10-12 kg/ha).
Hybrids: Lower seed rate (e.g., 2.5-5 kg/ha) due to cost and vigor. The 8-10 kg/ha range is standard for OPV okra in the rainy season.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The seed rate for okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) can vary depending on factors such as the season, variety (seed size, germination percentage), spacing adopted, and method of sowing (direct seeding vs. transplanting, though direct seeding is common).
Rainy season (Kharif): During the rainy season, plant growth is generally more vigorous due to favorable moisture and temperature. Wider spacing might be adopted, which could slightly reduce the overall seed rate compared to a summer crop where closer spacing might be used to achieve quick canopy cover.
Summer season: Higher seed rates are sometimes recommended for summer crops to ensure a good plant stand under potentially harsher conditions or if closer spacing is used. Typical seed rate recommendations for direct-seeded okra:
For the rainy season crop, a seed rate of about 8-10 kg/ha is commonly recommended for open-pollinated varieties.
For the summer crop, it might be slightly higher, around 10-12 kg/ha, or even up to 15-18 kg/ha for some specific conditions or very close spacing.
Hybrid okra varieties often have a lower seed rate (e.g., 2.5-5 kg/ha) due to higher seed cost and better vigor. Looking at the options for a rainy season crop (assuming OPV unless specified):
(1) 18-22 kg/ha: This is generally too high for a rainy season crop of OPV okra, more aligned with very high-density summer sowing or poor quality seed.
(2) 8-10 kg/ha: This is a standard and widely accepted seed rate for okra during the rainy season.
(3) 4-6 kg/ha: This is more typical for hybrid okra or if using very precise planting with high germination seed.
(4) 16-18 kg/ha: Similar to option (1), this is generally on the higher side for a rainy season crop. Therefore, 8-10 kg/ha is the ideal seed rate for okra for a rainy season crop. 8-10 kg/ha