Effects of Salts on the Growth and Chemical Composition of Okra<i>(Abelmoschus Esculentus)</i>and Sponge-Gourd<i>(Luffa Cylindrica).</i>

Abstract

SummaryA greenhouse study was conducted in sand culture on the effect of salts on the growth, fruit development and mineral nutrition of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and sponge-gourd (Luffa cylindrica). Both crops could tolerate salts up to an electrical conductivity of 6 mmho/cm, but the growth of plant, leaves and fruit was much more adversely affected beyond this limit. With increasing salinity the absorption of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) both by leaves and fruits decreased while that of Na increased.