Optimization of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)] Production through Improved Technical Itineraries in Korhogo (Northern Côte d'Ivoire): Evaluation of some Agrophysiological Parameters

Authors: YEO Navigué Abou; TEHUA Amoa Armist; ANGUIBY Bossombra Laurent Apollinaire; KOUAKOU Tanoh Hilaire; TUO Seydou; ZOUZOU Michel; Alloue-Boraud Waze Aimée; Mireille; Koné Daouda
Optimization of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)] Production through Improved Technical Itineraries in Korhogo (Northern Côte d'Ivoire): Evaluation of some Agrophysiological Parameters
DOI
10.25125/ijoear-sep-2026-28
DIN
IJOEAR-SEP-2026-28
Abstract

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is cultivated throughout northern Côte d'Ivoire. However, it is threatened by poor soil quality, which reduces production. Our overall objective was to provide producers with technical itineraries to contribute to increased okra productivity. Therefore, planting beds consisting of flat ground (TP), ridges without polyethylene film cover (BSP), and ridges with polyethylene film cover (BAP) were prepared at densities of 20,000 and 80,000 plants per hectare. Fertilizers (F1, F2, F3, F4) were applied to the plants in three or four fractions. The trials were arranged in completely randomized blocks with three replications of four factors. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATISTICA 7.1 for analysis of variance (ANOVA) and XLSTAT version 2019 for principal component analysis (PCA). The results show that planting beds, planting density, fertilizer types, and application frequency significantly influenced vegetative parameters and okra weight (P < 0.001 at 5%). The highest weights were obtained with BAP (428.7 g), D20 density (610.2 g), and F4 fertilizer (856.4 g). The combination of these factors led to 48 technical itineraries. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the technical itineraries based on recorded growth and yield parameters revealed that all variables are positively oriented and strongly correlated with the F1 axis (86.06%). The distribution of the different technical itineraries along the axes allowed for the identification of the best technical itinerary: BAP/D20/F4/3AP. The correlation matrix revealed significant positive correlations between the parameters studied (r > 0.5; P < 0.001). This suggests that choosing this technical approach could contribute to food security and increase producers' income.

Keywords
okra technical itinerary production Côte d'Ivoire.
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Introduction

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)], belonging to the Malvaceae family, is a vegetable cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions worldwide (Siddartha et al., 2017). Global annual okra production was estimated at 11,232,656 tonnes in 2022. Africa accounts for 31.57% of total production (FAOSTAT, 2024; Massrie, 2025). In Côte d'Ivoire, production was estimated at 183,832 tonnes, ranking it as the third-largest okra producer in West Africa, after Nigeria and Mali (FAOSTAT, 2024; Seydou et al., 2025). Okra cultivation is highly valued for its edible leaves and immature fruits (Khomsug et al., 2010). Its fresh and dried fruits, sliced into rounds or processed into flour, are used to prepare sauces, and the seeds are used to make oil (Legba et al., 2018; Marius et al., 1997). Okra is packed with important nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, lipids, and fiber, and is rich in vitamins and minerals (Laameche and Benaichaoui, 2021; Legba et al., 2018). Okra leaves are often used to eliminate oxygen free radicals, improve kidney function, and reduce proteinuria (Siemonsma and Kouamé, 2004). It has been used as a blood plasma substitute or to increase blood volume (Siemonsma, 1982). The leaves are sometimes used as a base for poultices, as an emollient, a diaphoretic (Khomsug et al., 2010), or for making fishing lines and game traps. The diverse uses of okra make it a potential export crop, contributing to food security and producer incomes. However, its cultivation is facing increasing difficulties, including diseases and pests, climate change, the unavailability of improved varieties, and a lack of mastery of techniques that directly affect already insufficient production (Déclert, 1990; Gnago et al., 2010). To ensure food security and increase production, our overall objective was to provide producers with a high-potential technical guide to contribute to increased okra productivity. Specifically, this involves:

  • studying the effect of planting beds, planting density, types of fertilizers and their number of applications on okra yield;
  • selecting high-performing technical itineraries for which the plants exhibit the best agrophysiological characteristics.
Conclusion

The objective of this study was to provide producers with an effective technical itinerary to optimize okra production in the north of the country. The effect of planting beds consisting of flat ground (TP), ridges without polyethylene film covering (BSP), and ridges with polyethylene film covering (BAP), prepared at densities of D20 and D80, followed by the application of fertilizers F1, F2, F3, and F4, improved okra production. The highest yields were obtained with BAP (428.7 g), the D20 density (610.2 g), and fertilizer F4 (856.4 g). The combination of these factors resulted in 48 technical itineraries. The distribution of these different itineraries along the axes allowed for the identification of the best itinerary: BAP/D20/F4/3AP. This study concluded that choosing this itinerary would contribute to food security and increase producers' income.

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