Photoassimilates partitioning in okra plants subjected to nitrogen doses

Abstract

ABSTRACT Nitrogen (N) is the third nutrient more absorbed by okra. Therefore, an adequate supply of this element is essential for okra growth through the accumulation of dry matter in the leaves, stem, root and fruit. The objective was to evaluate the influence of N doses on growth, photoassimilates partition and yield of okra. The experiment was carried out in a Red-Yellow Argisol. A randomized complete block design with four replicates was used. The treatments consisted of N doses applied as topdressing (0, 60, 120, 240, 360 kg/ha). Samples of plants were held at 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, 150 and 165 DAS for determination of the plant’s dry weight. The plant showed slow growth until 70 days, and after that time, intensified its growth until the end of the cycle. Total dry mass and absolute plant growth rate increased with increasing N availability, reaching the maximum marketable fruit yield of 10,665 kg/ha with 346 kg/ha N. The growth and partition of photoassimilates among the organs of the okra plant ‘Santa Cruz’ are altered with increasing nitrogen availability applied in topdressing.