Consequences of Gramoxone Application on some Soil Properties on the Germinations and Growth Parameters of Okra in Obioakpa, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Abstract

A field study was carried out at the Teaching and Research farm of Akwa Ibom State University ObioAkpa Campus, between January and February 2025, to evaluate the effect of gramoxone herbicide on selected soil properties, germination, and growth parameters of okra in ObioAkpa. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design, replicated three times in 3x4 factorial arrangements. Factor ‘A’ was an okra variety (East West Safa), while treatments were four (4) rates of gramoxone herbicides (0, 3, 4 and 5l/ha). Data collected from the growth parameters were subjected to analysis of variance. Significant means were compared using least significant difference (P < 0.05). Results showed gramoxone herbicide applied at 3L/ha enhanced a high germination rate (89.00% at 5 days after planting (DAP)). Also, 3L/ha of gramoxone herbicide promoted a high number of leaves each week after planting: 2WAP(5.10), 3WAP(3.89), 4WAP(3.89), 5WAP(4.11), 6WAP (4.33), and 7WAP(4.33). In plant height and leaf area, 3WAP of gramoxone herbicides indicated a significant difference (p<0.05) with high leaves of plant height and leaf area, followed by 5L/ha. The least plant height and leaf area were recorded in 4L/ha of gramoxone. The study therefore recommended gramoxone herbicide application at 3L/ha to farmers in ObioAkpa and its environs.