THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER ON POLLEN VIABILITY AND VISCOSITY OF SHEMFHEN- AN INDGENOUS CULTIVAR OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L.Moench).
Thomas T.L. and Tukur K.U.
Department of Biological Sciences
Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria
E-mail: kabirtukur12@yahoo.com
Abstract: Seeds of the shemfhen cultivar of okra were collected from Kwambai village, Takum Local Government area of Taraba State to determine the effects of levels of nitrogen fertilizer (NPK 27:10:10) on pollen viability and viscosity (draw quality) of the cultivar. The treatment consisted of three concentrations of the NPK 27:10:10 fertilizer and the fourth which is zero to serve as control (0, 5, 10 & 15g per stand). The different concentrations formed the plots. The cultivation was done in the research farm of MAUTECH, Yola located within latitude 90 190 N and longitude 120 300E with an average annual rainfall of 69mm. Cytological analysis of the pollen and viscosity test of the fruits from each plot were assessed. Pollen viability and viscosity gradually increased with increase in concentration of the NPK 27:10:10 fertilizer. However, at concentration 15g per stand many of the okra plants welted and died before maturity. Therefore, concentration 10g per stand is recommended for optimum viability and viscosity. It is concluded that pollen viability and viscosity of the cultivar are both genetically & environmentally determined.