Evaluation of Two Varieties of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus (L. Moench) Growth in A Wiregrass Tunnel House and Field

“Clemson Spineless” and “Jambalaya” okra were grown in a Tunnel House and field to compare yield and other growth parameters. A split-plot design with three replications/treatment was used; the Tunnel House and field were main plots, and varieties split plot. Plant height was significantly taller, and pod harvesting began two weeks earlier in the Tunnel House. Yield showed no significant differences between varieties, and Tunnel House vs. field-produced okra. However, “Clemson Spineless” produced 9% higher pod yield in the Tunnel House than “Jambalaya,” which had 23% higher field yield than “Clemson Spineless.” An enterprise budget analysis showed that Tunnel House produced “Clemson Spineless” netted higher returns to management, and higher earnings/lower production cost/sqrt., compared to field-produced “Jambalaya” and “Clemson Spineless,” and Tunnel House produced “Jambalaya.” These results suggest that Tunnel House production of “Clemson Spineless” would be the most profitable option for Tunnel House producers during the summer.