Conventional Okra Variety Trial 2004

Eight commercially available okra varieties were evaluated to assess yields in the western region of Illinois.  Plots were sown on May 11 with a Hege 1000 Series Drill/Planter on 30 inch row widths.  Plots were prepared with 150 lbs. nitrogen.  All varieties were planted in a randomized complete block design and replicated 3 times.  Plots were manually weeded throughout the summer and insecticides were used as needed to control aphid infestations.  Pods were harvested by hand on November 8 well after a killing frost.  The pods were allowed to dry naturally and then were threshed with a single plant cylinder thresher.  Yields were assessed and evaluated for each variety.  The 2004 variety trails will be replicated in 2005. 

Pictures of the varieties included in this study can be seen below: Clemson Spineless 80, Clemson Spineless (1939),  Dwarf Green Long Pod, Emerald Green, Green Best, Jade, Lee and Pentagreen.  Varieties were evaluated for germination rate, seed retention, lodging, branching, plant height, pod length, general disease tolerance, insect tolerance, and seed yield.  Seed yields ranged from 600lbs./acre to 1,450 lbs./acre. All data will be published in the Midwest Vegetable Variety Trial Report for 2005.