EFFECT OF IRRIGATION PRACTICES ON GROWTH, YIELD AND WATER-USE OF OKRA (HIBISCUS-ESCULENTUS)

An experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 1989 and 1990 to find out the influence of different irrigation regimes and methods of irrigation on growth, fruit yield and water use of 'Arka Abhay' okra (Hibiscus esculentus L.) on a sandy clay-loam soil. Irrigation equal to replenishing 100% of pan evaporation (Epan) showed the maximum vegetative growth. yield, yield components and actual evapo-transpiration. However, the water-use efficiency was the highest with irrigation given to replenish 25% Epan. Alternate furrow irrigation saved up to 30% water, without any adverse effect on the productivity compared with irrigation of every furrow, resulting in increased water-use efficiency.