Abstract
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench) plays a significant role in humans nutrition because its fresh leaves, stems, flowers, pods and seeds, are used for multiple purposes. The present study attempted to determine the spatial variations in biochemical attributes of osmoprotectants and the oxidative defense system of okra plants. Samples of soil and okra plants (leaves and fruits) were collected from three different locations: Faisalabad region-1 (7 JB-I), Faisalabad region-2 (7 JB-II) and Pindi Bhattian. Chlorophyll contents, glycine betaine (GB), ascorbic acid (AsA), total phenolics, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were analyzed in the leaves and fruits of okra plants. Soil analyses showed that pH, electrical conductivity (EC), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), iron (Fe), and saturation of soil were higher in Faisalabad region 2, while organic matter, sand, Zn, and Cu were higher in the Pindi Bhattian region. The results from okra leaves showed that Pindi Bhattian had higher chlorophyll a, GB and H2O2 contents, while Faisalabad region 1 had a higher ratio of chlorophyll a/b compared to the other regions. However, Faisalabad regions 2 and 1 had higher leaf phenolic contents, Faisalabad regions 1 and 2 showed higher leaf proline contents, and Faisalabad region 2 possessed higher AsA and MDA contents. Analyses of okra fruits showed that Faisalabad region 2 had higher chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll contents, while Faisalabad region 1 had higher chlorophyll b contents. Faisalabad region 2 and Pindi Bhattian had higher ratios of chlorophyll a/b, and Faisalabad region 1 showed higher phenolic, AsA, H2O2, and MDA contents of okra fruit, whereas the Faisalabad regions exhibited higher proline and GB contents than the Pindi Bhattian region. Overall, okra leaves and fruits showed better responses in the Faisalabad regions, and these results may be used to screen for okra cultivars with better tolerance under different environmental conditions.
Highlights
Okra is considered a high-value nutraceutical vegetable crop that is grown in different regions around the globe [1,2,3]
The present study was carried out to determine the comparative leaf and fruit biochemical changes in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) leaves and fruits. They were collected from three different sites, namely, Faisalabad region 1 (7 JB-I), Faisalabad region 2 (7 JB-II), and Pindi Bhattian
Ecotypes of Faisalabad region 2 and Pindi Bhattian contained a higher ratio of chlorophyll a/b than Faisalabad region 1 (Fig 2C)
Summary
Okra is considered a high-value nutraceutical vegetable crop that is grown in different regions around the globe [1,2,3] It is a great source of nutrients that are necessary for multiple purposes of human health [4, 5]; Durazzo et al [6]. The main health benefit of okra is its capacity to manage cholesterol level in the human body It is helpful for weight loss and reducing cholesterol to maintain a healthy and strong body [8]. Due to these qualities, okra is seen as beneficial by diet consultants [9], beneficial for asthma patients, and normalizes cholesterol and blood sugar [1]. Its seeds prevent diabetes by maintaining blood glucose [6, 10]
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