Okra seeds are characterised by poor emergence marked by almost systematic reseeding. Few small-scale producers use germination tests, which do not seem to be within their reach. Indeed, blotting paper is the main substrate used for okra germination tests in Burkina Faso. However, the possibility of using inexpensive sand as a substrate for okra germination tests could improve the quality of the seeds used. The objective of the study was to evaluate the
germination rate of okra genotypes in relation to the growing medium. For this purpose, sand and blotting paper were used as substrate and four genotypes, three local and one improved variety, as plant material. For each genotype, the seed weight and the number of seeds per fruit were previously evaluated. Then, 100 seeds per genotype were tested for germination to determine the germination rate. The data were analysed with XLSTAT 2016. The average
germination rates were 81.62% on sand and 79.93% on blotting paper. For germination rate, the difference was not significant between substrates, but it was significant between genotypes. The use of sand for germination testing of okra is a reliable and accessible technology for small-scale producers. These results will promote germination testing of okra in farmers' fields and thus the use of quality seeds.

Seed, okra, quality control, sand, blotting paper