However, in the absence of soil analysis, follow the following recommendations: It is necessary to apply fertilizers based on soil analysis to determine the right kind and amount of fertilizers to use. Set furrows after the last harrowing or make plots 75 cm wide at a distance of 100 cm between rows.įor clay soils, incorporate rice hull and compost liberally. A well-pulverized soil promotes good soil aeration and enhances root formation. Harrow every after plowing to pulverize and level the field. Plow at a depth or 15-20 cm for better root penetration. Plow and harrow 2 to 3 times alternately at one week interval to prevent growth of weeds. Before plowing the area, broadcast organic fertilizer or compost (1kg/m2). Prepare the field thoroughly to obtain good crop stand and optimum yield. Pods are 18 to 20 cm long slightly ridged and green color. For export, Green Emerald variety is popularly grown. There are two more commercial varieties of okra namely Camiling smooth and Green light. Both of the varieties are prolific and mature at 45 days after emergence. Smooth green is preferred by the consumers because of the deep green appearance while the native variety with yellowish white fruits is preferred by retailers because it does not appear wilted even kept for several days. The two most popular recommended varieties of okra are smooth green and the native variety (Diwata). A monthly average temperature of 20-30☌ favors growth, flowering and fruit development.Ĭhoose varieties that are adapted to local condition, resistant to pests and diseases and preferred in the local market for better profit.To guide you in choosing your variety, refer to the table below: Okra can be grown throughout the year but thrives best in a long, warm growing season and from low -to mid – elevation areas with adequate supply of water. Okra seeds germinate in relatively warm soils and do not germinate below 16☌. Okra can tolerate a wide range of soil types but for better yield, plant in silty to sandy loam soils with pH 5.5-7.0 during long warm season and are well-drained and with adequate organic matter. In this guide, we will provide detailed information on the different aspects of okra cultivation, including land preparation, variety selection, planting, pest and disease management, and harvesting. The crop is well-adapted to sandy loam to clay loam soils and can be grown with minimal labor and farm inputs. The first planting season is usually from October to December, while the second planting season is from March to May. Okra is a versatile crop that can be planted any time of the year in areas with good irrigation and drainage. Typically, okra is grown for home consumption, but it can also be a profitable crop for a farm family if grown extensively throughout the year. Additionally, half a cup of cooked okra contains almost 10% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6 and folic acid. The remaining 50% is insoluble fiber, which can help promote a healthy intestinal tract and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. This type of fiber can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The crop is planted in about 8,000 hectares nationwide, with major producing regions including Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, and Bicol.Īpproximately 50% of okra is composed of soluble fiber, which includes gums and pectin. It is highly valued for its edible pods that are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They don't move far in the soil, so crop rotation is the best way to prevent future infestations.Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus, commonly known as Lady’s Finger, is a warm-season vegetable crop that is widely cultivated in the Philippines. They cause irregular plant growth and yellowing leaves, but the damage they do is particularly visible on the roots, which are eventually destroyed. Root-knot nematodes: These are microscopic parasitic worms that live in the soil, and they are a particular problem for okra because they thrive in the same warm conditions as okra.You can pick off the ones you see and leave the rest to the birds, but if you have a persistent problem, consider deploying a stink bug trap to catch them. Stink bugs: Another common pest, stink bugs burrow into the pods, leaving behind a deformed or curved pod instead of a straight one.Remove aphids by spraying down the plants with water in the early morning or late evening when the sun won't scorch the wet leaves. Honeydew also attracts ants, but that doesn't matter unless they're fire ants, which can damage the flowers. They congregate on the undersides of the leaves and produce honeydew, a sticky substance that can promote sooty mold growth if left long enough.
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