Journal of Tropical Crop Science Vol. 11 No. 3, October 2024 www.j-tropical-crops.com 268 Ashraf Izzeldin Abdalla, Einas Amar Salem Mohammed, Mahdi Mohammed Mahdi, and Nahid Tagelsir Khiery Received 05/06/2024; Revised 04/09/2024; Accepted 12/09/2024 https://doi.org/10.29244/jtcs.11.03.268-277 Impact of Plant Spacing and Fertilization Dose on the Growth and Yield Traits of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Sudan Ashraf Izzeldin Abdalla A *, Einas Amar Salem Mohammed A , Mahdi Mohammed Mahdi B , and Nahid Tagelsir Khiery C A University of Al Zaeim Al Azhari, Faculty of Agriculture, Khartoum North1331, P.O. Box 1432, Khartoum, Sudan. B Agricultural Research Center, Abu Arish, Jazan 84427, Saudi Arabia. C Hudaiba Research Station, Agriculture Research Cooperation, Wad Madani, Sudan *Corresponding author email: shegedi@yahoo.com Abstract This study examines the impact of plant spacing and nitrogen fertilization doses on the growth and yield traits of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Sudan. Using a factorial experiment within a completely randomized block design, the research explored four spacing levels within raw, S1, S2, S3, and S4 (20, 25, 30, and 35 cm, respectively) and four nitrogen fertilizer doses, Ur1, Ur2, Ur3 and Ur4 (60, 80, 100, and 120 kg.ha -1 , respectively). Key metrics were measured: plant height, number of leaves, number of nodes, pod length, fresh weight, and seed count per pod. The results, analyzed via OPSTAT statistical software and ANOVA, indicated that a 60 cm × 30 cm spacing combined with a nitrogen dose of 60 kg.ha -1 significantly optimized growth parameters and yield components. Specifically, this combination resulted in the tallest plants (15.50 cm), the highest number of leaves (7.30), nodes (7.30), and greater fresh pod weight (7.69 g) and length (5.50 cm). Significant interaction effects between spacing and fertilizer doses were observed across all parameters at a 5% confidence level. The study recommends a 60 cm × 30 cm spacing with a nitrogen dose of 60 kg.ha -1 to maximize okra growth, yield, and quality in Sudan’s agroecological zones, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced productivity. These findings can be directly applied to optimize okra production in Sudan, contributing to the country’s agricultural sustainability. Keywords: Interaction, nitrogen fertilization, plant density, within row spacing, yield optimization Introduction Okra, scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus (L.), Moench is a highly popular vegetable crop in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Its origins can be traced back to Africa, specifically the Abyssinian Center of Origin, which includes Ethiopia, mountainous areas of Eritrea, and Sudan’s plains as described by (Yılmaz et al., 2021) and (El Tahir, 2023). Historical evidence suggests that the ancient Egyptians cultivated okra as early as 1216 (Blench, 2013). The vegetable then spread from Egypt to North Africa, the Mediterranean, Asia, and India. Through the transatlantic slave trade, okra travelled from West Africa to Spain, France, England, and the Americas (Sousa and Raizada, 2020). The plant has acquired various names across different regions. In the Middle East, it is referred to as Bamiya or Bamiyah. Quiabo in Brazil, Jiao Dou in China, Bhindi in India, and Kacang Bendi in Malaysia. The English term okra originates from the Igbo language of Nigeria, where it is known as Okwuru, which evolved into Ochra and Okra. The first recorded use of the word “okra” in English dates back to 1679 in the Colony of Virginia. Additionally, the term “Gumbo,” often used interchangeably with okra in the United States, comes from the Kimbundu word “Ki ngombo” and was introduced through the Louisiana Creole dialect (Cresswell, 2010). Okra, the ‘perfect villager’s vegetable’ in Africa, showcases remarkable resilience. It flourishes in backyard gardens and displacement camps, adapting to various climates and soil types (Sousa and Raizada, 2020). Its rich dietary fibre content and versatility in culinary applications make it a staple in local diets (Lamont, 1999). In Sudan, okra is consumed either