EFFECT OF BED ORIENTATION ON TROPICAL VEGETABLE CROPS DURING THE WINTER IN THE SUDAN

Production of tropical vegetable such as okra (Abelomoschus esculentus) and jews mallow (Corchorus olitorius) is limited by the relative low temperature during the winter in the Sudan.

It was found that orientation of bed north-south and east-west to have east and west and north and south sides, respectively, greatly influenced performance of these two vegetables. The south side gave significantly higher growth rate and yields compared to the north side.

The east and west sides were almost similar in effect with better response than the north side. Soil temperature was lowest in the north side and highest in south side.

The diferential in temperature is considered to account for the difference in performance of tropical vegetables during the winter. It is recommended to plant tropical vegetables, in the south side to improve their yielding ability during the winter season.