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Crop Research

Optimization of discharge rates for enhancing yield and quality parameters in drip irrigated Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)


DOI: 10.31830/2454-1761.2026.CR-1073    | Article Id: CR-1073 | Page : 153-159
Citation :- Optimization of discharge rates for enhancing yield and quality parameters in drip irrigated Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). Crop Res. 61: 153-159
ROSNA P SHAJAN, JEYAJOTHI RAMAN, RAMADASS SIVALINGAM AND RAJASEKAR MANIVELU jeyajotr@srmist.edu.in
Address : Department of Agronomy, SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Baburayanpettai, Chengalpattu District - 603 201, Tamil Nadu, India
Submitted Date : 20-09-2025
Accepted Date : 27-01-2026
Online Published:

Abstract

Okra is an essential vegetable crop requiring a continuous and moderate water supply for optimum yield and quality. The performance of drip irrigation depends on emitter discharge rate, irrigation level, and soil type. On clay soil, emitter selection greatly influences water distribution, nutrient uptake, and ultimately yield and quality. Hence, a field study was carried out to assess the effect of various discharge rates and irrigation levels on yield and quality parameters of Okra hybrid CO 4. The experiment was conducted during February to May 2025 at Experimental Farm of SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD), seven treatments with three replications viz., T1 (2 liter per hour (lph) @ 50% ETc), T2 (2 lph @ 75% ETc), T3 (2 lph @ 100% ETc), T4 (4 lph @ 50% ETc), T5 (4 lph @ 75% ETc), T6 (4 lph @ 100% ETc), and T7 (surface irrigation). Drip irrigation was scheduled for 3-day intervals, while surface irrigation was given once in seven days. Data were analyzed statistically using standard procedures. Emitter discharge rate and irrigation level significantly influenced both yield and quality. T3 (2 lph @ 100% ETc) recorded the maximum fruit length (13.5 cm), fruit weight (22.3 g), fruits/plant (24), yield/plant (0.70 kg), and total yield (34.57 t/ha). The same treatment also showed higher chlorophyll (62.49 SPAD) and iodine content (3.82 µg/100 g), but lower ascorbic acid (10.5 mg/100 g) and crude fiber (1.15%). Surface irrigation (T7) resulted in the lowest yield (15.31 t/ha) and poor chlorophyll and iodine content, though it had higher ascorbic acid (18.8 mg/100 g) and crude fiber (2.89%). The results confirm that drip irrigation with 2 lph emitter discharge at 100% ETc enhances productivity and improves quality attributes of Okra on clay soil.

Keywords

Discharge rate drip irrigation Okra quality yield

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