Economics of Dual Purpose Okra as Influenced by Harvesting Strategies.

Method of harvest strategy in dual-purpose okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (syn. Hibiscus esculentus L.) may affect harvest frequency, diversify crop use, and improve grower income. In a 2-year field study, the influence of harvest strategy on yield, yield components, and potential economic benefits of dual-purpose okra was evaluated. Genotypes, cv. Clemson spineless and the landrace Ahwaz, and harvest strategies: harvesting all fruit fresh; harvesting upper fruit fresh and leaving lower pods for seed; harvesting lower fruit fresh and leaving upper pods for seed, and leaving all pods for seed were used. The umber of harvests during the growing seasons were 41 and 18 times in full fresh fruit harvest and lower part harvest, respectively. The number of fruit and the number of fruit per harvest in the upper part were twice that of the lower section of plants. Seed yield of the upper part, 27.3 g/plant, was almost half of the lower part, 52.4 g/plant, due to heavier seed set in the lower part and seed immaturity in the upper part. The calculated Monetary Equivalent Ratio (MER) for dual-purpose strategies was >1 in both genotypes, indicating higher financial benefit over-cultivation of single-purpose okra. The highest MER for 'Clemson spineless' was 1.22 (22% increase in revenue) when lower pods were left for seed; the MER for landrace Ahwaz was 1.23 when upper pods were harvested for seed. Understanding the responses of fruit to harvest strategy and the number of harvests may help farmers make a decision to maximize net income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]