EFFECTS OF SODIUM AZIDE ON GERMINATION, GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUM)
Abstract
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), is an economically important vegetable crop which is a good
source of vitamin, calcium, potassium and other mineral needed for growth and development.
The study evaluated the impact of sodium azide on the germination, growth and yield of okra
plants (Abelmoschus esculentus).
Seed of okra were soked in three concentrations of sodium azide (0.25mM, 0.5 mM, and 0.75
mM) for five hours while distilled water served as control. They were raised to maturity in
planting pots at the back of the department. Vegetative and yield parameters were taken, the data
include: Plant morphological parameters, fruit production, chlorophyll content and nitrogen
content. The data were subjected to ANOVA (analysis of variance) with significant mean,
separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 0.05 significance level.
This study examined the effect of sodium azide on the germination of okra seeds at
concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.75 mM. Germination rates ranged from 75.30% in the control
group to 87.06% at the highest concentration (0.75 mM). Although the highest germination rate
occurred at 0.75 mM, statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the treatments
and the control. The results suggest that sodium azide did not significantly impact seed
germination, though a slight positive trend was observed at higher concentrations.
Chlorophyll content and nitrogen content of the mutagen levels were higher than the control
with 0.5mM concentration having the highest value (6.70 and 11.70 SPAD) respectively ,
indicating a positive influence of sodium azide. The Results showed a significant reduction in
plant height and stem girth in all the mutagen concentrations , thought it was found not to be
dose dependent. Positive responses to sodium azide treatment were observed in leaf length, leaf
breadth, petiole length, and the number of leaves. In terms of yield components, fruit length
decreased with sodium azide treatment, while fruit circumference and weight varied according to
the concentration.
Overall, while sodium azide at higher concentrations negatively affected some vegetative
parameters and yield, it positively influenced leaf traits and nitrogen content suggesting
potential applications in improving specific growth characteristics of Okra plants.
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