Effect of cropping arrangements and rainfall on the performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria during the farming seasons of 1997-1999. The objective of the experiments was to establish the effects of cropping arrangements and rainfall on the performance of two varieties of okra plant (Indian long white and short local varieties) in terms of flower and fruit initiation as well as height and yield. Twenty four experimental plots were demarcated and arranged into eight treatment plots. Each treatment was replicated three times and the size of each of the plots was 4.2m x 3.6m. Results of the experiments clearly indicated that when the two varieties were independently grown with cotton, cowpea and groundnut at a ratio of one to one (1:1) per plot, performance of the plant especially in terms of height, flower, fruit initiation and yield was greatly enhanced. It is therefore, recommended that farmers should under rainfall condition practice growing okra particularly the two varieties tested (ILWV & SLV) with other plants such as cotton, cowpea or groundnut in order to increase the growth, development and yield of okra.