Abstract
As an antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol (α-Toc) protects plants from salinity-induced oxidative bursts. This study was conducted twice to determine the effect of α-Toc as a foliar spray (at 0 (no spray), 100, 200, and 300 mg L−1) to improve the yield and biochemical constituents of fresh green capsules of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) under salt stress (0 and 100 mM). Salt stress significantly reduced K+ and Ca2+ ion concentration and yield, whereas it increased H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA), Na+, glycine betaine (GB), total free proline, total phenolics, and the activities of catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and protease in both okra varieties (Noori and Sabzpari). Foliar application of α-Toc significantly improved the yield in tested okra varieties by increasing the activity of antioxidants (CAT, GPX, SOD, and ascorbic acid), accumulation of GB, and total free proline in fruit tissues under saline and non-saline conditions. Moreover, α-Toc application as a foliar spray alleviated the adverse effects of salt stress by reducing Na+ concentration, MDA, and H2O2 levels and improving the uptake of K+ and Ca2+. Among the tested okra varieties, Noori performed better than Sabzpari across all physio-biochemical attributes. Of all the foliar-applied α-Toc levels, 200 mg L−1 and 300 mg L−1 were more effective in the amelioration of salinity-induced adverse effects in okra. Thus, we concluded that higher levels of α-Toc (200 mg L−1 and 300 mg L−1) combat salinity stress more effectively by boosting the antioxidant potential of okra plants.
Highlights
The data revealed that catalase (CAT) activity was significantly increased under salinity stress
Our findings showed that neither the foliar application of α-Toc nor salt (NaCl) significantly affected H2 O2 content, whereas MDA contents were increased under salt stress conditions in both okra varieties
Two-year pot experiments were carried out to examine the possible role of α-Toc in modulating the antioxidant potential of okra capsules under salinity stress
Summary
Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is the most popular mallow crop and a common food crop in Asia. Its finger-like fruits, called capsules, are mainly consumed as a vegetable. These capsules are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, and are low in calories. The mucilage’s properties have medicinal enormous value [1]. The high mucilage content sets okra apart from other vegetables and makes it suitable for various medicinal and industrial applications [2]
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