RESPONSE OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)Moench) VARIETIES TO POULTRY MANURE RATE AND STAND DENSITY IN THE NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Origin and Distribution of Okra
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus(L.)Moench)originated in Ethopia in the year 120 BC. It is a common vegetable in tropical and sub-tropicalcountries, native to west and central Africa. It is known as a fast growing annual vegetable commonly grown in field and home gardens in Africa (Fayemi, 1999and Schippers, 2000). It belongs to the family,Malvaceae and was domesticated in West and Central Africa (Kochhar, 1986). It is known as ‘Okro’ in the Anglophone African countries. Okra is cultivated throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world for its fibrous fruits (N.R.C., 2006). Okra is mainly cultivated in African countries such as Nigeria, Sudan, Egypt, Niger and Cameroun. It is also important in other tropical areas including Asia and South America.

1.2 Soil and Climatic Requirement

A range of soil types have been found suitable for okra production even though it thrives best in moist, friable, well- drained soils. Sandy loam soils high in organic matter are the most desirable.A pH of about 6.0 – 6.8 is recommended for Okra production.In Nigeria, production is mainly during the rainy season. Okra requires a moderate rainfall of about 800-1000mm. Studies on the optimum weather requirement for high yields of Okra showed that it performs best (growth, flowering and fruiting) when the minimum and maximum temperatures are between 200 and 300 celsius, respectively.Okra is sensitive to low temperature and develops poorly below 150 Celsius. The seeds germinate in relatively warm soils only(Tindall et al., 1986).