THE LIFE CYCLE OF A PLANT (OKRA AND MAIZE PLANT)
Introduction
Every plant goes through certain stages before it is able to reproduce. After reproduction, the seeds of the plants are planted again to produce new The stages plants go through is what we call Life cycle. The Life cycle cf particular plant may be different from the life cycle of another plant.
Life Cycle of Okra Plant
Okro plant is an annual plant which completes its life cycle within a few months. It is grown mainly for its edible green fruits or long green pods.
Okro is a flowering plant with edible green seed pods. It is a vegetable crop with slime when the seed pods are cooked. They are grown directly in clayey and loamy soil because it requires warm weather to flourish and also because they cannot survive easily in new field when transplanted.
Okro seeds have a hard coat, so the seeds are soaked overnight prior to planting to a depth of 1-2cm. A minimum of 2-3 seeds are put in a hole. Germination occurs between six (6) days. They must be harvested within a week of the fruit being pollinated which is after two months and stored in wet sacks under humid conditions to keep it fresh.
THE PROCEDURE FOR THE LIFE CYCLE OF OKRA
- The life cycle of okra always starts with the seed (viable seed).
- The seed is planted on a loamy soil under suitable conditions.
- The seed then germinates into a seedling.
- The seedling also grows to become a young plant.
- The young plant further grows to become a mature plant which bears flowers.
- The flowers also develop to become the green vegetable fruit which is the Okra.
- The fruit matures into a fruit which contains seeds as shown in the diagram.
- The cycle continues when the seeds become dry and are planted again.
Importance of Okra
- It serves as food for good health
- It contains protein and oil which serves as vegetable protein.
- It also helps in weight reduction.
Life Cycle of Maize
Maize is a cereal crop. It contains carbohydrates which are needed by both humans and animals for energy. Maize is used to produce close to 50% of carbohydrate foods in Ghana. It is used to prepare banku, porridge, kenkey, tuo-zaafi among others. It grows well in loamy soil. Maize grows well directly on the field just like okro.
Maize reproduces sexually each year. A minimum of 2-3 seeds are placed in a hole of 4-5cm deep. The planting arrangement must be well done in order to allow aeration and prevent overcrowding. The spacing is averagely 80-90cm between rows and 50-60cm between holes. Maize takes 90-120 days to be fully matured.
Maize can be used after harvesting but are normally dried for pest control.
Procedure for the Life Cycle of Maize
- The life cycle of maize starts with the seed (viable seed).
- The seed is planted on a loamy soil.
- The seed then germinates into a seedling.
- The seedling also grows to become a young plant.
- The young plant further grows to become a mature plant which bears flowers.
- The flowers develop to become the maize fruit. The maize fruit ripes into mature maize fruit.
- The cycle continues when the seeds are dried and are planted again.
There are several types of maize. They are called the varieties of maize. Some are:
• Okomasa
• Abeleeli
• Tamale yellow
• Abinotia
Importance of Maize
• It is used to prepare staple foods such as kenkey for the Gas
• It is a source of starch
• It is used to feed animals. Example; hens.
Summary
Plants undergo cycles in order to produce new young ones that also mature to continue the cycle.
Okro seeds are grown directly in clayey and loamy soil and they require warm weather conditions. Maize seeds are dried up before planting them directly in the soil. They take 90-120 days (3-4months) to become fully matured. During the life cycle of okro and maize they are attacked by pests and diseases.