Post-fertilization Development of Seed in Okra Genotypes: Changes in Seed Quality

A research trail was conducted to assess qualitative changes of Okra genotypes at District Seed Farm “D” Block, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal during the summer season of both 2011 and 2012 to assess the post-fertilization changes in seed quality. All five genotypes were grown with an adequate population in three replications following randomized block design (RBD) for the purpose of developmental studies. Harvesting of developing pods was done at 3, 5, and 7 days after anthesis (DAA) and seven days interval thereafter up to 42 DAA. Harvested pods and seeds were utilized for this development program through total dry matter production, dry seed weight, germination, and vigor index. Lalu was identified as the variety for which total dry matter production was maximum, followed by Japani Jhar, Arka Anamika, Ramya, and Lady Luck when the average was made over stages of development, irrespective of the cropping seasons. Average germination was recorded to be maximum for Japani Jhar followed by Arka Anamika, Lalu, Lady Luck and Ramya irrespective of the year of experimentation, of which significantly similar performance was noted for Lady Luck and Ramya in the first year and Japani Jhar and Arka Anamika in the second year. Significantly highest magnitude of vigour index was derived for Arka Anamika in both the years followed by Japani Jhar, Lalu, Ramya, and Lady Luck, when the average was made over stages of development. Average vigor index of Lalu and Japani Jhar, as well as that of Lady Luck and Ramya, were statistically similar to each other.