The effect of time of sowing on the production of okra (Hibiscus esculentus L.) seed in the Mediterranean region

Two okra varieties (Boyiatiou and Veloudo) were cultivated for seed under c over between 1993 and 1996. Flowering and pod production occurred in waves, with optimum quality, combined with satisfactory yield, being obtained fro m a sowing in March. Although the number and weight of seeds per pod was si gnificantly higher in later sowings, this was not sufficient to outweigh th e seed quality advantage from an early sowing. The germination of Veloudo w as high (80-100%) irrespective of harvest date. However, the germination of Boyiatiou was variable due to the formation of a large number of hard seed s, particularly when pods ripened during periods of high temperature. Hards eededness was overcome by acid treatment, which has a scarifying effect. Po ds from late harvests required drying prior to seed extraction; even then, seeds from these pods were somewhat immature and needed a period of after-r ipening (60 days at 25 degrees C) to acquire a germination level of over 90 %.