Growth dynamics and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus, Moench) cultivars as influenced by date of sowing

A field trial was conducted at research farm of vegetables, PAU, Ludhiana with four dates of sowing viz. 5^th March, 7^th April, 10^th May and 10^th June and four varieties viz. Punjab 7, Punjab 8, Arka Anamika and Shagun replicated thrice in split plot design. Plant height, leaf area and dry matter was recorded periodically. All the biometric parameters increased with delay in sowing. Among different varieties Punjab 8 showed higher plant height, more dry weight and more leaf area index followed by Punjab 7, Arka Anamika and Shagun. Crop growth rate (CGR) was maximum in fourth date of sowing and among different varieties it was maximum in Punjab 8. Total fruit yield was maximum in fourth date of sowing followed by third date of sowing. Among the four varieties Punjab 8 performed best under all the dates of sowing. Regression models were also developed by using dry matter and fruit yield as independent variables and AGDD, AHTU, APTU and LAI as dependent variables. R² values were very high in both the models.