DISCUSSION ON THE CROP WATER REQUIREMENT, PERIOD OF PLANTING, DAYS TO HARVEST (DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE) AND AREAS PLANTED OF THE FOLLOWING VEGETABLE (FRUIT) CROPS: TOMATO, ONION, OKRA, PEPPER

One of the most critical inputs to vegetable (fruits) production in semi-arid areas, dry season farming and nursery establishment is water. During the dry season or off season, the source of water for vegetable growing is from irrigation while in the wet season, rainfall is the source of water. Young vegetable seedlings in the nursery or in the field should be watered in the early morning or in the evening. Watering should be done before transplanting particularly in the evening. Over-watering can be very harmful and can encourage the development of pathogenic diseases and also cause mechanical damage to the seedlings. Most vegetable species are grown from seeds, but some important ones are propagated by vegetative methods. Among those grown from seeds, a significant number mainly those with small seeds are usually first sown in nursery beds, boxes or containers and are transplanted at a later stage.

The crop water requirements, planting period, harvesting period (developmental stage), and areas where crops are planted are discussed below: