TITLE:
Response of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Cultivars to Nitrogen Fertilization in Buea, Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Tom Tabi Oben, Judith Mukete Nlende, Gildas Douanla, Esoeyang Tambe Eneke
KEYWORDS:
Okra, Varieties, Nitrogen, Levels, Growth, Yield, Disease Symptoms
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.17 No.1,
January
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: Okra is an important vegetable of tropical countries and most popular in India, Nigeria, Sudan, and Cameroon where it is a staple. Yields of cultivars grown are very low when compared to other countries. Poor soils, bad cultural practices and of utmost importance inappropriate use of nitrogen fertilizers and choice of cultivar are the main limiting production factors. Appropriate use of fertilizers in addition to quality planting material will increase okra productivity in terms of quality and quantity. The objective of this study therefore, is to evaluate the response of two okra cultivars to nitrogen fertilization in Buea. Synchronizing crop cultivar and balance nitrogen supply will increase yield of okra thereby increase the net profit of stakes holders. This study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Buea in 2022. The experiment was a split plot design with four replications. Treatments were combinations of five nitrogen levels (0 kg N/ha, 50 kg N/ha, 100 kg N/ha, 150 kg N/ha and 200 kg N/ha) and two okra cultivars (Kirikou F1 and Hire). Data for growth and yield parameters were collected fortnightly and analyzed using SPSS (ver.25) and ANOVA. Also, disease incidence was calculated based on symptoms expression on plants. Disease analysis was descriptive. Results showed significant difference in growth and yield parameters for the two cultivars. Nitrogen levels caused significant variations in plant height, numbers of leaves, number of fruits and yield of to 3.5 t/ha was observed with the application of 150 to 200 kgN/ha with Kirikou F1 cultivar (P