Detailed Explanation of Key Points on Okra Sowing and Seedling Raising Techniques

Sowing Techniques

Okra is suitable for planting on plots with deep, loose and fertile soil. Apply sufficient base fertilizer while preparing the land. Generally, apply 2000 kg of farmyard manure and 100 kg of cake fertilizer per mu. For seedling raising, sowing is generally carried out from late March to mid-April in a sunny cold frame or solar greenhouse. The seedbed soil is prepared by mixing garden soil, decomposed organic fertilizer and fine sand in a ratio of 6:3:1, and sown in spots at a density of 10 cm square. Because the okra seed shell is relatively hard, the seeds should be soaked for 24 hours before sowing, then placed at 25-30°C for germination, sprouting in 4-5 days, with a seedling age of 30-40 days, that is, transplanted when the seedlings have 3-4 leaves. Direct sowing is generally carried out from early April to early-to-mid May, with beds made 1 m wide, two rows sown per bed, at a density of 50 cm square, with 2-3 seeds sown per hole. With plastic film mulching cultivation, sowing can be done 4-6 days earlier. When the seedlings grow two leaves, thin them out, leaving only one strong seedling per hole, and finalize the seedlings at 4-5 leaves.

Field Management

Okra has a well-developed root system and strong absorption capacity. When the plant height is 40-50 cm, apply fertilizer once around each plant, combined with intertillage and earthing up. After harvesting the first one or two fruits, apply 10 kg of urea per mu as topdressing. In the late growth stage, to prevent premature senescence, foliar spraying of 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution can be carried out, spraying once every 5-7 days, for 2-3 consecutive sprays. Okra is relatively drought-tolerant, so less watering is needed at the seedling stage; before flowering, appropriate intertillage and seedling hardening should be carried out to promote root extension. Water at any time during midday drought; in summer, pay attention to keeping the bed surface moist, generally watering once every 7-10 days. Water as appropriate in the late growth stage. In the rainy season, with much water and high temperature, waterlogging and root rot are likely to occur, so ditches should be cleared and drained in time. Okra mainly bears fruit on the main vine, so side branches should be removed in time to reduce nutrient loss. After fruit harvesting begins, appropriately remove old leaves at the base to facilitate ventilation and reduce diseases. In the rainy season, pay attention to earthing up to prevent the plants from lodging.

Pest and Disease Control

Okra has relatively few pests and diseases, occasionally harmed by aphids, stem borers and cutworms. To control aphids and stem borers, spray with 2.5% deltamethrin 3000-fold solution, or 80% dichlorvos emulsion 2500-fold solution; to control cutworms, pour 80% dichlorvos 1500-fold solution, or 90% trichlorfon 500-fold solution around the root zone to poison the larvae. In continuous rainy seasons, when more disease spots appear on branches and leaves, after the weather turns clear, promptly spread lime near the base of the plants to prevent the spread of diseases. Harvesting: The product harvested from okra is the tender fruit. Harvesting too early affects yield; too late, fiber increases, the flesh ages, quality decreases, and it may even lose edible value, so timely harvesting is very important. Generally, 7-8 days after the flowers fade, when the tender fruits grow to 8-10 cm, harvesting can obtain the best commercial fruits. Harvesting is best done in the evening, cutting at the fruit stalk when harvesting to avoid damaging the branches and stems. The harvest period can last from late June to early October.