Mike Vincent is a progressive Illinois farmer with a Master's Degree in Crop Science from the University of Illinois.  Mike became interested in okra after recognizing its growth potential while producing it as a vegetable in his garden.  Further investigation illustrated okra's potential as an oil and protein source for both humans and animals.  Of special interest is okra's tremendous disease and soybean cyst nematode (SCN) resistance.  All Mike's research was conducted on his farm near Hull, Illinois, and he may be contacted at vincent1@adams.net.

Four field trials were conducted in 2003 with conventional equipment and practices used for planting and harvesting a total of 8 acres.  One study consisted of evaluating okra versus soybeans in terms of yield achieved and the effect of the crops on SCN populations.  Nitrogen rates for okra were explored and a population study was performed.  In addition, three varieties of okra were examined to evaluate seed yield, pod shattering, and oil content.  Due to the unusually mild winter and late killing frost, harvest was delayed until December.  Seed yield and oil analysis are yet to be completed.

One difficulty encountered with the 2003 experiments was uneven seedling emergence due to okra's hard seed coat.  Studies will be conducted on seed priming in 2004 to address this issue.  Machine harvest was a problem as well due to the moisture in the green stems at harvest time so harvest drying aids will be explored, too.  Trials with smaller plots will be initiated to examine  plant components more closely and will include a planting date study and a population/row spacing trial.