Okra Research Articles

Growth Responses of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) to Selected Plant Growth Regulators

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of two types of plant growth regulators (PGRs) which are gibberellins (GA3) and Paclobutrazol (PBZ) on the growth and photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll) of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) plants. Exogenous applications of GA3 and PBZ with different concentrations (i.e. 20, 40, 80 and 100 mg/L) were sprayed on two-week-old Okra plants under the nursery stage. The control plants were only treated with distilled water. The stem diameter (mm) of treated and control plants was measured weekly. At the end of the experimental period, data on growth characteristics such as plant height (cm), leaf area (cm2) and number of leaves were recorded. The estimation of chlorophyll was measured using the SPAD-502 Chlorophyll Meter. Results showed that the plant morphological characteristics of Okra plants were significantly affected by the application of GA3 and PBZ (P<0.0001). In addition, stem growth (expressed as stem cross-sectional area- mm2) of Okra plants was significantly increased with increasing GA3 concentrations. In contrast, applying PBZ reduced Okra plants' stem growth. This study highlighted the major effects of GA3 and PBZ on the growth of Okra plants when planted under tropical climate conditions.

Improvement of Serum Glucose and Lipid Factors by Some Polar and Non-Polar Extracts of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench and Eryngium caeruleum M. Bieb. in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

Improvement of Serum Glucose and Lipid Factors by Some Polar and Non-Polar Extracts of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench and Eryngium caeruleum M. Bieb. in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

Preliminary Results of the Impact of Beneficial Soil Microorganisms on Okra Plants and Their Polyphenol Components

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a highly nutritious vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, offering numerous health benefits. Despite its nutritional value, okra remains underutilized in Europe; however, its cultivation and popularity may rise in the future with increasing awareness of its advantages. In agricultural practices, beneficial soil microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Trichoderma spp., Streptomyces spp., and Aureobasidium spp., play crucial roles in promoting plant health, enhancing agricultural productivity together with improved crop nutritional value. This study aimed to investigate the effects of individual and combined inoculation on the polyphenol content of okra fruits, as analyzed by HPLC. Moreover, growth parameters and glutathione-S-transferase enzyme (GST) activities of okra leaves were also estimated. Tested microorganisms significantly increased the yield of okra plants except for A. pullulans strain DSM 14950 applied individually. All microorganisms led to increased GST enzyme activity of leaves, suggesting a general response to biotic impacts, with individual inoculation showing higher enzyme activity globally compared to combined treatments. According to the polyphenol compound analysis, the application of tested microorganisms held various but generally positive effects on it. Only the combined treatment of F. mosseae and Streptomyces strain K61 significantly increased the coumaric acid content, and the application of Aureobasidium strain DSM 14950 had a positive influence on the levels of quercetin and quercetin-3-diglucoside. Our preliminary results show how distinct polyphenolic compound contents can be selectively altered via precise inoculation with different beneficial microorganisms.

Effect of eggshell powder on the growth performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plant

Effect of eggshell powder on the growth performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plant

Transient expression analysis of promoters of okra enation leaf curl virus in Nicotiana benthamiana, cotton and okra plants.

Viral promoters can be used to drive heterologous gene expression in transgenic plants. As part of our quest to look for new promoters, we have explored, for the first time, the promoters of okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCuV), a begomovirus infecting okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The Rep and CP promoters of OELCuV fused with the gfp reporter gene, were expressed transiently in the natural host okra and the laboratory host cotton and Nicotiana benthamiana. The expression levels of the promoters were quantified through confocal laser scanning microscopy and GFP assay in N. benthamiana and okra. The results indicated that the Rep promoter was more active than the CP promoter, whose activity was similar to that of CaMV 35S promoter. Additionally, the Rep and CP promoters showed increase of expression, probably due to transactivation, when assayed following inoculation of OELCuV and betasatellite DNAs in cotton plants. A moderate increase in promoter activity in N. benthamiana was also seen, when assayed following the inoculation of the heterologous begomovirus Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus.

Improving soil chemical properties and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) yield through complementary applications of biochar, and organic and inorganic fertilizers

In spite of okra’s importance to food security in developing countries, its production is limited by low soil nutrient and health status. A screenhouse study examined soil chemical properties, okra growth and yield under complementary application of biochar, organic and inorganic fertilizer in an Ultisol. The treatments comprised 5 kg soil each amended with 5 t biochar ha−1, 5 t poultry manure compost (SPM) ha−1, urea at 56 kg N ha−1, urea (28 kg N ha−1) + 5 t biochar ha−1, 5 t ha−1 (2:1, PM: biochar) (SPMB), urea (28 kg N ha−1) + 5 t ha−1 (2:1, PM: biochar) (SPMBF2). The treatments, replicated thrice, were arranged in a completely randomized design. There were two sets of plants terminated at 50% flowering (dry matter yield (DMY) and nutrient uptake) and at 10 wk post-planting for growth and yield determination. Results revealed that soil chemical properties, okra growth and yield increased responsively to the organic amendments. The SPM, followed by SPMB and SPMBF, enhanced soil pH (0.18–0.19 unit), total N (79–100%), organic carbon (75–100%), available P (55–58%) and exchangeable cations over the control and others (p < 0.05). These treatments also increased the plant’s agronomic parameters: plant height (10–19%), number of leaves, leave area (21–31%), stem girth (33–51%), DMY (59–67%), and tissue Ca, Mg and K. The SPMBF2 – treated soil had the highest fruit yield (45 g pot−1). Conclusively, sole and complementary applications of biochar and compost improved soil chemical properties, and okra growth and yields.

Isolation and nanoformulation of mucilage from Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) biomass and evaluation of its biological activities and biocompatibility

Isolation and nanoformulation of mucilage from Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) biomass and evaluation of its biological activities and biocompatibility

Iron-doped biochar, an agricultural and environmentally beneficial fertilizer.

The utilization of agricultural waste to create value-added goods has benefited waste management while resolving cost-effectiveness and food shortage problems. Returning biochar produced from agricultural waste to the agricultural field is a sustainable method of enhancing crop production while lowering the environmental effect of typical fertilizers. It also enhances soil condition by modulating pH, soil organic carbon, water retention capacity, and soil ion exchange potential. The current work concentrated on the production of iron oxide-loaded biochar from banana peels. Pyrolysis was carried out at temperatures ranging from 400 to 500°C. The co-precipitation technique was utilized to impregnate Fe3O4 nanoparticles on biochar, and it showed to be an effective and trustworthy method. Loading was done in situ. Characterization techniques such as XRD, FTIR, CHNS, and TGA were employed to characterize synthesized materials. Swelling ratio, water retention, absorbance, and equilibrium water content percentage were used to study the adsorption capabilities of Fe3O4-loaded biochar, soil, and raw biochar. As a consequence, Fe3O4-enriched biochar was shown to have better adsorption capability than raw biochar, which in turn showed better adsorption properties than soil. Iron-loaded biochar was employed as a fertilizer in Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra), and the results showed that it is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly fertilizer.

Investigation of thermal performance, drying characteristics and environomical analysis: direct flow evacuated tube solar drying of okra.

A direct flow evacuated tube solar dryer (DF_ETSD), a novel drying system, was used for drying pre-treated okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The performance of DF_ETSD was analysed by determining thermal profiling, dryer and collector efficiency hourly. The maximum 3-day average ambient temperature, collector outlet temperature and solar radiation were 35.6°C, 66.4°C and 976 W m-2 respectively. The collector efficiency increased as solar radiation increased over time due to a higher temperature difference between the collector outlet and ambient temperature. The maximum collector and dryer efficiency observed were 30.19% and 21.47%, respectively. A pre-treatment of okra was done in hot water at 70, 80 and 90°C for 5min. Okra samples were dried from an initial moisture content of 87.42 ± 1.49% (wb) to a final value of 10.77 ± 1.03% (wb) in 9h. The pre-treatment temperature of 80°C is suitable for maximum drying rate, colour retention and rehydration ratio and minimum water activity, which signifies the longer shelf-life of okra. Midilli and Kucuk model was best fitted (highest R2, lowest χ2 and RMSE) for the control and samples pre-treated at 80°C; however, Verma model was suitably fitted for the sample pre-treated at 70 and 90°C. The payback period of DF_ETSD was found to be 1.27years. Environmental analysis shows the CO2 emission and net CO2 mitigation ranged between 1.24 and 18.65 t and 9.86 and 154.05 t respectively for different selected lifecycles of the dryer. Due to its environmental sustainability and low payback period, the presented drying system is recommended for okra and other fruits and vegetables.

Effect of plant population on growth and yield of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L). Moench] under Kymore plateau of Madhya Pradesh

Effect of plant population on growth and yield of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L). Moench] under Kymore plateau of Madhya Pradesh

Effect of the Hormone Brassinolide and the Polymer Hydrogel on the Biochemistry Traits of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.) under Two Different Irrigation Periods

Objectives: Effect of hrmone (BR)and (SAP) on the biochemistry traits of okra Abelmoschus Esculentus L.under two different irrigation periods. Mothods: The experiment was conducted in one of the private fields north of Basrah for the growing season 2022-2023. It was included a study of the effect of three factors:the hormone brassinolide(BR) at three concentrations (0,3,6) mg/l and the polymer hydrogel(SAP) at concentrations (0,50,100) g/m2 soil, irrigation periods (3,6) days, and their double and triple interactions. It was designed according to (R.C.B.D.) with three replicates for each treatment and the least significant difference test was adopted at the probability level (0.05( Results: Showed that the treatment of plants with the hormone led to a significant increase in the characteristics of chlorophyll, carbohydrates and stability of the membranes at a concentration of 6 mm / L, and led to a decrease in the concentration of proline, hydrogen peroxide and MDA and the effect of the polymer led to a significant increase in the total chlorophyll content, carbohydrates and membrane stability at a concentration of 100 g / m2 soil. While it reduced the concentration of proline, hydrogen peroxide and MDA as well. Irrigation periods of 3 days showed a significant effect on the carbohydrate content of the leaves, while the differences were negligible for the rest of the traits, and the two-way interactions showed a significant effect on all the studied traits. Conclusions: The triple interactions led to a significant increase in all studied traits at a hormone concentration of 6 mg/L and a polymer at a concentration of 100 g/m2 soil and an irrigation period of 3 days compared to the control treatment and an irrigation period of 6 days except for proline, MDA and hydrogen peroxide.

Alpha-Amylase and Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential of Overnight Soaked Aqueous Extract of Abelmoschus esculentus

Phytochemicals are secondary metabolites which act as antioxidants and possess various protective role.Alpha Amylase and Alpha Glucosidase enzymes catalyse hydrolysis of starch to simple sugars. Abelmoschus esculentus is a flowering plant of the Malvaceae family and is valued for its green seed pods. It naturally possesses anti-diabetic property, acts as a starch blocker as it prevents the absorption of starch in the body. Abelmoschus esculentus was cut vertically to open and added to 50ml of water. Soaked overnight and the aqueous extract was decanted and used for the phytochemical screening test followed by the evaluation of antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. The data were analysed statistically by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. Overnight soaked extract of Abelmoschus esculentus exhibited a significant antioxidant potential (IC50=280 µg/ml) and compared with standard vitamin C. Alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory potential of Abelmoschus esculentus was analysed (IC50=380µg/ml and 320µg/ml respectively) and compared with standard acarbose. Though Abelmoschus esculentus is a common vegetable, its efficiency increases when soaking overnight.

Performance of Different Hybrids of Okra under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

This research evaluates the performance of different hybrids of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) under the agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj. Okra, originating from sub-tropical Africa, holds economic significance and is cultivated widely across diverse regions. Understanding the performance of okra hybrids is vital for maximizing productivity and ensuring food security. The study assesses growth parameters such as plant height, leaf area, and number of branches, along with yield parameters including fruit characteristics and days to flowering. Quality parameters such as Vitamin C and Total Soluble Solids (TSS) are also considered. Economic aspects such as cost of cultivation, gross return, and cost ratio are analysed. Results reveal significant variations among hybrids, with certain hybrids demonstrating superior performance. Hybrid H7 emerges as promising, exhibiting robust growth and high yield potential. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing okra cultivation practices and enhancing productivity in the Prayagraj region. Further research is recommended to refine hybrid selection and cultivation techniques for sustainable okra production.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. ‘Arka Anamika’

The present investigation was carried out at Agricultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, S.G.V.U., Jaipur (Rajasthan) to study the effect of INM on growth, yield and quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. ‘Arka Anamika’ during Rabi season of the year 2022-23. The experiment was laid down in RBD which consisted 9 treatment combinations viz; Control (T0), 100% RDF (T1), 100% RDF + Vermicompost @5t/ha (T2), 100% RDF + Poultry manure @2t/ha (T3), 100% RDF + Neem cake @2t/ha (T4), 50% RDF + Vermicompost @5t/ha (T5), 50% RDF + Poultry Manure @2t/ha (T6), 50% RDF + Neem cake @2t/ha (T7), 50% RDF + Vermicompost @5t/ha + Poultry Manure @2t/ha + Neem cake @2t/ha (T8) and treatments were replicated three times. Appraisal of the result indicated that the influence of organic and inorganic fertilizers on important parameters like vegetative growth, yield and quality of Okra were significantly influenced by INM under local agro climatic conditions. The treatment (T8) had a significant effect on various vegetative growth, yield and quality parameters, and the results revealed that the maximum plant height plant height at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, leaves per plant, days taken to 50% flowering, flowers per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit per plant, fruit yield, TSS, Ascorbic acid and Titrable Acidity (%) were recorded in T8. The minimum values of growth, yield and quality parameters were recorded in the control (T0). Results further indicated that the highest (3.06) benefit: cost ratio was observed in T8. Whereas, the lowest benefit: cost ratio (1.07) was recorded under control.

Optimization of irrigation (ETc) and nitrogen levels under drip fertigation in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) using response surface methodology (RSM)

A comprehensive field investigation was conducted to enhance the productivity, profitability, and water use efficiency (WUE) of summer okra through the optimization of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer application. The study involved 3 irrigation levels – 0.75 Epan (pan evaporation) as I1, 1.00 Epan as I2, and 1.25 Epan as I3 – as the main plot factors, and 4 nitrogen concentrations – 75% recommended nitrogen dose (RDN) as N1, 100% RDN as N2, 125% RDN as N3, and 150% RDN as N4 – as the subplot variables. The results of the study revealed a significant influence of irrigation and nitrogen levels on various key parameters. Above-ground dry matter, yield, plant height, WUE, net returns, and benefit-to-cost ratio (B:C) exhibited an incremental trend with increasing irrigation and nitrogen levels, up to a certain threshold. Beyond this threshold, further increments in irrigation and nitrogen led to diminishing returns. The models developed for estimating crop yield, above-ground dry matter, plant height, WUE, net returns, and B:C demonstrated impressive accuracy, with high coefficients of determination (R2) and satisfactory precision. The optimized irrigation level (crop evapotranspiration, ETc) ranged from 418.39–441.23 mm. At the same time, the ideal nitrogen application rate was found to be in the range of 167.04–176.13 kg N/ha. These optimal conditions resulted in peak crop yield of 28 295 kg/ha, above-ground dry matter of 6 709.1 kg/ha, plant height of 66.3 cm, WUE of 5.26 kg/m3, B:C of 4.54, and net returns amounting to 441 133 INR/ha. In conclusion, the application of response surface methodology facilitated the identification of the impact of each factor on individual responses, as well as the determination of optimal conditions that simultaneously maximize multiple desirable outcomes. These findings hold significant promise for improving the cultivation of summer okra while optimizing resource use and economic returns.

Exploiting fly ash as an ecofriendly pesticide/nematicide on Abesmoschus esculuntus: Insights into soil amendment-induced antioxidant fight against nematode mediated ROS

Conventional pest control measures, such as chemical pesticides and nematicides, have limited efficacy and raise environmental concerns, necessitating sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives for pest management. Therefore, to find a complementary eco-friendly pesticide/nematicide, this study investigated the role of fly ash (FA) in managing a notorious pest, Meloidogyne javanica and its impact on the growth and physiology of Abelmoschus esculentus. Molecular characterization using SSU and LSU rDNA gene markers confirmed the identity of Indian M. javanica as belonging to the same species. Biotic stress induced by nematode infection was significantly alleviated (P < 0.05) by FA application at a 20% w/v, regulating of ROS accumulation (44.1% reduction in superoxide anions and 39.7% reduction in hydrogen peroxide content) in the host plant. Moreover, FA enhanced antioxidant defence enzymes like superoxide dismutase (46.6%) and catalase (112%) to combat nematode induced ROS. Furthermore, the application of FA at a 20% concentration significantly improved the biomass and biochemical attributes of okra. Fly ash also upregulated the activity of the important osmo-protectant proline (11.5 μmol/g FW) to mitigate nematode stress in host cells. Suppression of disease indices like gall index and reproduction factor, combined with in-vitro experiments, revealed that FA exhibits strong nematode mortality capacity and thus can be used as a sustainable and eco-friendly control agent against root-knot nematodes.

Promoting Seed Germination of Some Plant Species by Rhamnolipid Produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

With growing environmental concerns and a growing world population, there is an interest in developing cheap, efficient, and environmentally friendly substances that benefit humanity. Microbial surfactants are nontoxic, biodegradable bioproducts that provide sustainable solutions in agricultural applications due to their many benefits over their synthetic counterparts. Hence the crucial importance of scientific research to understand the effect of microbial surfactants on plant development. The present study aimed to assess the effect of rhamnolipid produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa on seed germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), onion (Allium cepa), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under laboratory conditions. The results showed that P. aeruginosa was capable of producing 3.83 g/L of viscous, honey-colored rhamnolipid, which was capable of lowering the surface tension to 30 ± 0.33 mN/m. Different concentrations of rhamnolipid ranging from 0.25 to 1.00 g/L were assessed, with distilled water acting as a control. After treatment of seeds, results showed that applying 0.25 g/L of rhamnolipid can significantly increase seed germination to 100% on the fourth day of sowing okra and lettuce, and on the fifth day of sowing onion seeds, compared to control groups that recorded 60%, 50%, and 55%, respectively. In wheat and barley seeds, applying rhamnolipid can protect seeds from pathogenic fungi while delaying their germination to 60% and 70% on the third day of sowing, while 90% and 100% have been reported in the control groups. Thus, this biological molecule demonstrates promising results in enhancing seed germination of the studied species by protecting them from phytopathogens and then aiding plant growth.

Effects of chemical treatments on morphological, physical and chemical properties of okra bast fibers

In this study, bast fibers have been obtained from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plant stems via biological degumming process. The obtained fibers were subjected to some textile pretreatment processes such as scouring, alkalizing, oxygen bleaching and chlorine bleaching which are also utilized in cellulose nanoparticle production. Effects of these processes on their physical and chemical characteristics have been investigated and statistically analyzed. Treatments have been found to statistically affect physical properties of the fibers. They led to decrease in fiber linear density but increase in moisture content and water absorption capacity. Linear density reduction took place by fibrillation and elimination of impurities. Fibrillation has been evidenced by microscopy images. Prolonged submerging resulted in increment in water absorption. FT-IR spectra, SEM images and mass loss analysis present evidence for removal of lignin, hemicelluloses and vaxes upon chemical treatments. The ranges of the linear density, moisture content and water absorption of okra bast fibers are 6.3-20.1 tex, 2.9-6.0%, and 5.80 g/g to 11.8 g/g, respectively. Properties of okra bast fibers show similarities to conventional bast fibers such as flax, hemp and jute.

Health Risk Assessment Of Potentially Toxic Element Concentrations In Fish And Vegetables Obtained From Six Selected Dams In Osun State, Nigeria

This study aimed to assess the levels of certain heavy metals in tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus), as well as vegetables, and to evaluate the potential health risks associated with the presence of toxic elements from Dec. 2019 to June 2023. A total of 60 tilapia fish, 12 okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and 12 bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) from six major dams in Osun State were prepared for analysis using wet digestion with aqua-regia. The concentrations of heavy metals were measured using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu AA-630). The health risk associated with fish consumption was estimated using various parameters. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. The concentrations of micro elements followed the order of Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Mn in decreasing concentrations. These concentrations exceeded the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Ni, Cd, Pb, and Cr, which are 0.6, 0.3, 0.3, and 0.7 mg L-1, respectively. The results obtained for okra and bitter leaf were within the limits established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, the presence of these metals indicates the need for close environmental monitoring of the six selected dams.

Iodine Fortification Study of Some Common Nigerian Vegetables Using Copper Complex

Iodine deficiency (ID) is the result of insufficient dietary iodine intake in humans, the deficiency not only leads to goiter formation but also to severe retardation of growth, development and maturation of nearly all the tissues of the body, especially those that are fast developing. The aim of this research is to evaluate levels of iodine intake by ten Nigerian vegetables using copper complex. Dry alkaline ash method was used in the determination. The results obtained showed that all the ten vegetables used absorbed high concentrations of iodine when inoculated with 0.09 M and 0.14 M [Cu(I)4]2- . Iodine phytotoxicity was observed in all the plants when inoculated with 0.2-0.8 M of the copper complex as all the plants died. Increase in the concentration of copper complex from 0.09-0.14 M increased the absorption of iodine by Amaranthus hybridus, Corchorous olitoruis, Gongronema lotifolium and Solanum melongena. The reverse was observed with Murraya koenigii, Ocimum gratissimum, Talinium triangulare, Abelmoschus esculentus, Cucurbita pepo and Telfairia occidentalis. Ocimum gratissimum absorbed the iodine at 0.09M with value of 164.79 mg/kg, the vegetable also absorbed least at 0.14 M with a dose of 61.80 mg/kg. The intake of the iodine by the plants showed that the method can be used in the fortifying these Nigerian vegetables with iodine, thereby reducing the incidence of Iodine deficiency disorder in humans.