Effect of Molasses on the Growth of Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (Dicotyledonae: Malvaceae)

Abstract

Vegetables are important for health due to their contents as minerals, antioxidant, vitamins, phytochemicals and dietary fiber. All these substances are related to lower the risks for development of health problems. The use of chemical fertilizers affected both soil health and crop productivity in the long term. An experiment was conducted for the assessment of molasses effect on okra (ladies’ finger) under natural environment at the Botanical Garden of Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana- Ambala (Haryana). During investigation all the attributes for growth stages of plants as per molasses treatment and control groups were observed. The treatment of molasses concentrations viz. 5%, 3% and 1% to response of plant growth was recorded after standard post sowing interval and compared with the control group as well. The present work revealed the better plant growth and yields of okra in soil blended with molasses as organic fertilizer than the field without molasses. Therefore, authors wish to recommend the molasses as profound organic fertilizer for eco-friendly farming and sustainable agriculture.