Productivity and water use efficiency of okra cultivated under water stress in a tropical climate

Abstract

Efficient irrigation management is crucial for okra production in tropical climates, where irregular water availability, resulting in water deficit or excess, can affect agricultural yield. Thus, the objective was to evaluate, in two consecutive years, the agronomic characteristics and water use efficiency of the okra crop under irrigation depths as a function of crop evapotranspiration. The experiment was conducted in two consecutive years, from October to January 2022 and 2023, in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with five treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150% of crop evapotranspiration. The water deficit severely affected the vegetative growth and fruit quality of the okra crop. However, this condition allowed high efficiency in water use in irrigated okra cultivation in both years of cultivation. Water stress, whether due to water deficit or excess, had a significant negative impact on okra productivity. Thus, proper irrigation management is essential to ensure water balance and maximize okra crop yield under tropical conditions.