Effects of low input drying methods on seed quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) harvested at three maturity stages

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.