Row spacing and population density effect on seed yield of okra and seed oil as a source of biodiesel.

摘要

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentis) is a warm weather vegetable crop with seed characteristics similar to cotton. Putative similarities between these crops make okra a potential candidate as a biodiesel feedstock. The objectives of this research are to determine an optimal inter and intra-row spacing combination to maximize seed yield, and determine optimal plant characteristics for seed yield, oil production, and fatty acid profiles. Data indicated treatments of (22.86 x 7.62, 22.86 x 22.86, and 45.72 x 30.48 cm) were better than 91.44 x 15.24 cm with respect to seed yield, although, 45.72 x 30.48 and 91.44 x 15.24 cm are the same plant population. Variety trials indicated that Annie Oakley II produced substantial seed and oil yields of 3547 kg ha-1 and 1376 L ha-1, respectively in 2009. Data indicated palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acids to be the primary constituents of okraseed oil.