Abstract:
A study on effects of low input drying methods on quality of okra (Abelmoschus
esculentus) seeds harvested at three maturity stages was undertaken under glasshouse
and laboratory conditions. Abelmoschus esculentus seeds were harvested at three
different maturity stages; pre mature, mature and post mature and dried using three
different drying methods; sun drying, shade drying and silica gel drying. It is found
that seed drying method and maturity stage at seed harvest did not affect plant
height, number of leaf and number of fruits, fresh weight and dry weight of fruits,
diameter and length of the fruits. Drying method had no influence on quality of seeds
harvested at mature stage but affected quality of seeds harvested at pre-mature and
post-mature stages. At pre-mature stage, silica gel caused higher seed death
percentage while at post-mature stage, silica gel resulted in higher seed dormancy
percentage and lower germination percentage when compared to shade drying
method.
