Effect of Seed Rate, Planting Method and Location on the Yield of Corchorus olitorius in the Greater Accra Region

Abstract

Corchorus olitorius is a traditional vegetable in Ghana. It is relatively affordable and has become a popular alternative to okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), especially when okra becomes expensive in the market. However, there is limited information on its recommended agronomic practices such as seed rate and planting method. Therefore, there is the need to develop appropriate agronomic practices for the optimal production of Corchorus olitorius. A 2 x 2 x 4 factorial experiment was carried out to determine the effect of location, planting method and seed rate on the yield of Corchorus olitorius. There were three factors, that is, location (University of Ghana Research Farm and Amrahia), planting methods (broadcasting and drilling) and seed rates (0.5 gm^-², 0.6 gm^-², 0.7 gm^-² and 0.8 gm²). Data was collected on fresh and dry weight of leaves, stems and branches and roots per area. The data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat statistical software (12^th Edition) to determine the effect of various treatments on yield. Tukey’s test was used to separate significant means at 5% probability. The result of the study showed that generally, there was a significant increase (p <0.05) in fresh and dry yield of Corchorus olitorius with higher seed rates, the drilling method and at the location with a higher soil nitrogen content. The highest fresh yield of leaves of 1989.1 gm^-2(19.89 tha^-1) was produced by drilling Corchorus olitorius seeds at a seed rate of 0.8 gm^-2at the University of Ghana Research Farm. It is therefore recommended that Corchorus olitorius is drilled at 0.8 gm^-2 for a higher return.