Two field experiments were carried out at Gemmeiza Agric. Res. Station,
Gharbia Govemorate during the two successive seasons of 2003 and 2004 to study
the effect of okra plants "Col. 8alady" decapitation treatments (early and late
decapitation (removal apex) after 30 and 45 days of seed sowing, respectively}, and
foliar spray with Zn and Mn at 300 ppm either alone or in combination [300 ppm Zn,
300 ppm Mn, 300 ppm Zn + 300 ppm Mn] in comparison with control (sprayed with
tap water), as well as their interaction on growth, flowering, leaf nutrient content,
green pods yield and seed production. The results can be summarized as follows» t-Decapitation of okra plants led to significant increments in vegetative growth
characters except for plant height, it increased number of flowers per plant, as well
as, delayed flowering time. Early decapitation, significantly increased number of
green pods per plant, total green pod per plant and per fed. Meanwhile, early green
yield per plant and per fed were decreased. Decapitation, significantly decreased
average green pod weight. Early and late decapitation significantly increased N, P,
K, Ca, Mg and Na. Furthermore, early decapitation significantly increased Fe, Mn,
and Cu. Meanwhile, late decapitation significantly increased Zn and reduced Fe
compared with undecapitation. Generally, it was noticed that early decapitation was
effective than the late one. Significant increases in number of dry pods per plant,
seed yield per plant, seed yield per fed and seed index were noticed due to late
decapitation and undecapitation compared with early decapitation. 2-Foliar application with 300 ppm Zn, 300 ppm Mn and 300 ppm Zn + 300 ppm Mn
significantly increased vegetative growth characters in both seasons. The highest
values were obtained by spraying okra plants with 300 ppm Zn + 300 ppm Mn.
Moreover, these treatments significantly increased number of flowers per plant and
fruit setting % as well as were associated with a significant increase in green pods
yield per plant, early and total yield per fed. Also, these treatments significantly
increased N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na in okra leaves. Meanwhile, foliar feeding with 300
ppm Mn gave a significant increase in content of leaf Mn in both seasons and Fe on
the first season. Also, foliar spray with Zn or Zn + Mn at 300 ppm had a significant
effect on leaf Zn and Cu in both seasons and leaf Fe in the second season.
However, foliar feeding with 300 ppm Zn + 300 ppm Mn significantly increased Na
of dry pods per plant, seed yield per plant and per fed and seed index in both
seasons. 3-Decapitation of okra plants after 30 days from seed sowing and foliar nutrition with
300 ppm Zn + 300 ppm Mn was suitable the most efficient combination treatment,
which assured a good vegetative growth and gave a higher green pods yield of okra
plants. Also, for seed production the highest values of Number of dry pods, seed
yield per plant, seed yield per fed and seed index were obtained by spraying okra
plants with ':?lOO ppm 2n + 300 ppm Mn and late decapitation treatment.