Growth and yield parameters of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) influenced by diazotrophs and chemical fertilizers.

Field experiments wereconducted during the summer seasons of 2010 and 2011 in College of Agriculture, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar , to assess the effect of diazotrophs (Biofertilizers - Azotobactor, Azospirillum, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria)and chemical fertilizers along with vermicompost on okra cv Mahyco-10 in terms of growth and yield. The experiment consisted of nine treatments including the controland replicated thrice in randomized block design. The maximum plant height (148.97 cm), leaf area (434.99 cm 2 ), number of nodes (30.16), fruit length (16.45 cm), fruit girth (1.62 cm), single fruit weight (18.70 g) and plant biomass-fresh weight (548.74 q ha -1 ), were observed in the treatment receiving FYM@10 t ha -1 + 100% NPK + vermicompost @5 t ha -1 along with biofertilizers. The maximum number of fruits per plant was recorded with T9 (FYM@10 t ha -1 + 75% NPK + vermicompost@5 t ha -1 + biofertilizers). Applicationof higher dose of fertilizers increased the fruit yield of okraconsiderably, where the yield varied between 80.24 q ha -1 to 228.38 q ha -1 . The study led to a conclusion, that the maximum growth parameters, highest yield and yield attributing characters of okra could be achieved byintegrated use of diazotrophs, vermicompost and chemical fertilizers .