engleski

Okra cultivation in Zagreb County according to the principles of integrated production of vegetables

The constantly increasing demands of the domestic market for new agricultural products have provided an incentive to Croatian agricultural producers to expand the range of their own production. Thus okra (Hibiscus esculentus), a vegetable crop originating in eastern Africa, has found its place in vegetable production in the area of Zagreb County. In comparison with other vegetable crops which are cultivated in the open, okra exhibits a certain resistance to diseases and pests. Its cultivation can easily be included in the principles of integrated production of vegetables, which is gradually being accepted in Croatian agricultural production. In the area of Vrbovec, a town in Zagreb County, during 2008 and 2009 the cultivation of this oriental vegetable crop was closely observed. Microclimatic conditions have been favourable to the cultivation of crops of 1 hectare area. The cultivation incorporated the preparation of soil in autumn, during which, besides deep ploughing, stable manure was used in the quantity of 40 tons per hectare. Seed sowing was carried out at the end of May in the open area in the rows spaced 25cm x 80cm. Spring mineral nutrition consisted of combined mineral fertilizer NPK 12:12:12. During the cultivation of okra the main problem was caused by weeds, while only during the first year a small amount of plants exhibited Phytophtora sp. Pests in this crop did not have a significant unfavourable effect. Also, there were no root nematodes, frequent pests found on okra throughout the world, against which the integrated production recommends the application of root and leaf extract of Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium plants. During cultivation, weeding was done two times. The harvest lasted throughout August till the beginning of September in both seasons of okra cultivation. The yield per hectare in the first year was 2 tons, and in the second year 2.5 tons. The guaranteed crop purchase for the needs of food industry requires dried okra, while currently increasing needs of purchasers call for the extended production of this interesting vegetable crop. If we also take into consideration the demands of domestic consumers which consume imported okra, it is can be easily concluded that this oriental vegetable crop is suitable for cultivation in small family farms and that it also offers to potential producers favourable production conditions in the wider area of continental Croatia.

ocra; integrated production

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