Okra Research Articles

A Novel Herbal Composition Alleviates Functional Constipation, Reduces Gastrointestinal Transit Time, and Improves Bowel Function in Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Study

Background and objective A recent proof-of-concept pilot clinical study has demonstrated that consumption of CL18100F4, a proprietary herbal blend of Withania somnifera root and Abelmoschus esculentus fruit extracts, significantly relieved the participants from functional constipation and improved their quality of life. The objective of the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to reevaluate the efficacy and tolerability of CL18100F4 in a larger number of subjects. Methods Male and female subjects (n = 135; age: 25–60 years), selected through Rome-IV criteria for functional constipation, were randomized into placebo and 300 or 500 mg of CL18100F4 groups and supplemented daily over 60 consecutive days. The primary efficacy outcome measure was Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM), evaluated at baseline and on days 7, 30, and 60 of supplementation. The secondary efficacy parameters included Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL), Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores, Gastrointestinal Transit Time (GIT), and Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movement (CSBM). Serum levels of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, cortisol, gastrin, serotonin, Diamine oxidase (DAO), and Zonulin were measured. Results CL18100F4 supplementation significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the PAC-SYM, PAC-QOL, GSRS scores, and GIT and improved CSBM scores. CL18100F4 significantly improved (p < 0.001) sleep quality and decreased depression and anxiety symptoms in the participants. Notably, relief in constipation symptoms and improved gastrointestinal (GI) function were reported starting from day 7. Furthermore, CL18100F4 supplementation significantly (p < 0.001) increased the serum levels of IL-10, DAO, serotonin, gastrin, reduced IL-6, cortisol, and Zonulin. No major adverse events were observed. Participants’ vital signs, hematology, clinical biochemistry, and urinalysis parameters were within the normal ranges. Conclusion The present investigation demonstrates that CL18100F4 is tolerable and efficacious in relieving functional constipation, alleviating GI dysfunction, and improving associated non-GI factors in male and female adults.

Assessing phenotypic diversity between different landraces of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

The objective of the present study was to investigate the morphological variations among collections of okra landraces in order to improve local varieties in Palestine. Eighteen okra accessions from various locations in the West-Bank region were evaluated for morphological variation. Different sixteen morphological traits were used for okra collection evaluation. The results revealed significant differences in seed color, leaf rib color, stem color, branching patterns, and fruit characteristics. Cluster and similarity analysis classified into two main clusters (I and II) with further sub-clusters. Genetic proximity did not strictly align with geographical boundaries, suggesting that factors beyond location influence genetic similarity. Cluster I exhibited greater diversity, with sub-clusters hinting at potential local adaptation. In contrast, Cluster II was smaller and less diverse, implying potentially distinct genetic origins. These findings provide insights for breeding strategies and germplasm conservation.

Advances in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Breeding: Integrating Genomics for Enhanced Crop Improvement

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) holds significant importance as a vegetable crop, thriving in tropical and subtropical regions globally, especially in the warmer areas of temperate zones. Traditional breeding approaches tailored for self-pollinated crops have been utilized to enhance the genetic diversity of okra. These methods encompass various techniques such as plant introduction, pure line selection, hybridization combined with selection, mutation breeding, and heterosis breeding. Particularly in countries like India, pedigree selection and heterosis breeding have led to the development of numerous okra varieties and hybrids, significantly impacting local agricultural practices. Contemporary okra breeding focuses on traits crucial for optimal performance, including high yield potential, resistance to prevalent diseases like Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV) and Okra Enation Leaf Curl Virus (OELCV), tolerance to sucking pests and borers, ease of harvest, deep green fruit coloration, and desirable plant architecture. Public sector institutions have played a pivotal role in introducing and disseminating improved okra varieties and hybrids, with more than 33 cultivars introduced in recent decades. Some of these varieties have demonstrated substantial improvements in okra production across India. This review offers an overview of the current state of okra breeding, encompassing genetic resources, cytogenetic relationships, breeding goals, varietal development processes, efforts in resistance breeding, biotechnological interventions, and future improvement strategies. By consolidating existing knowledge and highlighting ongoing research initiatives, this article aims to provide guidance and inspiration for further advancements in okra breeding and genomics, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and productivity of this essential vegetable crop.

Effect of Integrated Weed Management on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. Arka Anamika in North Plain Zone

The present investigation entitled “Effect of Integrated Weed Management on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. Arka Anamika in north plain zone.” was conducted during Kharif season of 2022-23 at student instructional farm of the S.C. Bose P.G. College, Kahli, Terwa, Gaushganj, Hardoi (U.P.). The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with 6 treatments combinations and 3 replications. Different treatments were applied at the different interval of time and effect were recorded. Gap identified over the topic is -Weed control in okra through conventional methods has become expensive, time consuming and difficult during heavy and continuous rains particularly during early stages of the crop. While continuous, use of herbicides might sooner or later lead to resurgence of secondary weeds besides causing pollution problems. So an experiment was conducted to study the effect of chemical &amp; cultural means alone or in combination, on the weed control efficiency and yield of okra. The selection of specific season is associated that most of okra is sown in kharif season in north plain zone as less seed rate is required [1].

Co-cultivation of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) with food crops for efficient resource utilization and increasing the farm profits

Ocimum basilicum L., or sweet basil, is a valuable aromatic and medicinal plant that is used in aromatherapy to energize, relax, and stimulate the mind. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry for its anti-ageing and therapeutic qualities. Farmers who depend only on conventional food crops run the danger of crop failure as a result of unanticipated circumstances like uncertain weather, pest outbreaks, or disease epidemics. In contrast, intercropping offers a kind of insurance against total crop loss by diversifying farm outputs. The present study aims to increase field productivity and efficient use of land resources under sweet basil-based inter-cropping systems. In the experiment, 17 different treatments (12 treatments comprising of inter-cropping of sweet basil (55,555 plants/ha plant population) with four conventional crops namely maize (Zea mays L.), pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) at three plant populations, i.e., 100% (55,555 plants/ha), 75% (37,037 plants/ha), and 50% (27,777 plants/ha). Also, all five sole crops (4 conventional crops and sweet basil) were planted. The study findings showed that the maximum fresh herb yield of sole sweet basil culture at 100% plant population (14.2 t/ha with 0.70% oil content and 99.2 kg/ha oil yield) was almost equal to that of co-cultivation of sweet basil with pigeonpea at 50% plant population (14 t/ha with 0.70% oil content and 98.2 kg/ha oil yield). Similarly, LER varied from 1.50 to 1.90 and the ATER varied from 1.32 to 1.82. The inter-cropping system based on sweet basil is an advantageous strategy to maximize resource use efficiency. Nevertheless, net returns of sweet basil were found to be maximum with pigeon pea (1762–1881 USD/ha) followed by okra (1507–1638 USD/ha), maize (1042–1310 USD/ha) and pearl millet (809–1029 USD/ha). Moreover, for better herb yield and net returns, it was more profitable for the farmers to co-cultivate sweet basil with pigeon pea at 50% plant population.

Use of by-Products from Bentonite Extraction in the Composition of Substrates for the Production of Okra Seedlings (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

O quiabeiro é uma hortaliça comum entre os brasileiros e a utilização de fertilizantes alternativos nessa cultura é de extrema importância. Desse modo, objetivou-se avaliar o uso de subprodutos da extração de bentonita na composição de substratos para produção de mudas de quiabo (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal da Paraíba, campus II, em Areia-PB. O delineamento experimental foi realizado em blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos, a testemunha e quatro proporções de subproduto da extração de bentonita, resultando em 100 plantas. Foi realizada a caracterização física e química do substrato, e avaliado o índice de velocidade de emergência e as medidas biométricas. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística. Logo, observou-se que a área foliar apresentou maior diferença de médias entre os substratos, sendo o S-2 o que obteve a maior delas, enquanto o S-1 e S-5 apresentaram médias idênticas. A massa fresca de parte aérea apresentou médias mais divergentes entre si, destacando o S-2 com maior valor e o S-5 com o menor. O substrato que obteve as melhores médias na produção das mudas de quiabeiro foi o S-2, com 4% do subproduto da extração de bentonita.

Impact of ascorbic acid-rich phyto-extracts on growth, yield and physio-biochemistry of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.] subjected to drought stress

To overcome the negative effects of drought stress by exogenous application of natural [lemon juice (LJ) and orange juice (OJ)] and synthetic ascorbic acid (AsA) as sources of potential antioxidants was assessed in okra (A. esculentus) under field conditions. The experiment comprised of two cultivars (Sabz Pari and Bhindi Sanwali) those were subjected to different irrigation regimes including control (12 irrigations) as well as water deficit regimes such as D1 (eight irrigations) and D2 (six irrigations). The plants were sprayed with synthetic AsA (150 mg L-1), 50 % LJ and 50 % OJ to both control and water stressed plants after 30 days of seed germination. Foliar applied AsA obtained from varied sources significantly increased the plant biomass, yield characteristics and leaf photosynthetic pigments, total soluble proteins, proline, AsA, total amino acids, total phenolics, total soluble sugars, and activities of POD, CAT and SOD enzymes in okra plants under varying irrigations. Although, in contrast different AsA sources minimized the accumulation of H2O2 and MDA contents in okra plants. In conclusions, LJ and OJ (both 50 %) proved to be more effective than the synthetic AsA (150 mg L-1) in enhancing yield production, plant biomass and different physio-biochemical traits of okra plants subjected to varying water stress levels. Thus, a better organic source of AsA both LJ and OJ may be suggested to overcome the negative influence of water deficiency in plants.

Effect of harvest stages on physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) for processing applications [pdf

Effect of harvest stages on physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) for processing applications [pdf

Potent antibacterial nanocomposites from okra mucilage/chitosan/silver nanoparticles for multidrug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium eradication

Abstract The polymeric nanocomposites (NCs), constructed from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fruits mucilage (OM), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and chitosan (Ch), were fabricated as potential candidates to overcome drug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria. AgNPs were directly mediated by OM, with 4.2 nm mean diameters. The composed NCs from Ch/OM/AgNPs were innovatively synthesized and the various ratios of Ch:OM/AgNPs affected the NCs particles’ size and charges. The infrared analysis of employed materials/NCs validated their interactions and conjugations. The antibacterial assays of NCs against different resistant S. Typhimurium strains indicated the efficiency of polymeric NCs to inhibit bacteria with significant superiority over standard antibiotics. The NCs that contained equal ratios from Ch and OM/AgNPs were the best formulation (mean diameter, 47.19 nm and surface charge, +16.9 mV) to exhibit the strongest actions toward S. Typhimurium. The NCs caused severe deformation, destruction, and lysis in exposed bacteria, as traced with scanning microscopy. The biosynthesis of AgNPs using OM and their nanoconjugation with Ch provided effectual natural biopolymers NCs with enhanced expected biosafety and efficiency against drug-resistant S. Typhimurium strains, which supports their potential applications as disinfectant, sterilizing, and curative antibacterial agents.

Effect of different Gamma Rays doses on Seed Germination, Seedling parameter on local seed okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)

The experiment was carried out to study the effect of different gamma irradiation in 100 -800 Gy with non-irradiated control on seed okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.). The study carried in Microbiology Dept. Directorate of Agricultural Research. Ministry of Science and Technology in 2020. The results showed that 100-300 Gy had positive effects with respect to all studied growth seeding parameters. With increase in radiation above 300 Gy a decreasing germination potential, The lowest germination percentage was recorded at 800Gy,speed of germination was noted by Control (10.00 day) followed by gamma irradiation dose 800(9.90 day) and the same dose was logged lowest mean daily germination (7.85 seed day-1 ), higher doses (800,700,600 ) Gy marked reduction in root, shoot length, vigor index , chlorophyll a chlorophyll b .and total chlorophyll. The result showed a decreasing of the fresh weight of okra when radiation dose was increased While, dry weight was increasing when the radiation dose was increased. This study shows that the low dose gamma radiation may enhance the germination rate and the seedling growth during the early seedling state of okra seeds.

Preliminary Identification of Bacterial Species Contaminating Okra Fruits in Some Selected Markets in Owo, Nigeria

In spite of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cultivation relevance in the society, management of its post-harvest disease has stand out as major issue to plant pathologists. This study therefore reports findings on the spoilage bacteria associated with Okra fruit during post-harvest storage. Okra sample was purchased from three (3) local markets (Ogwagbe market, Areghona market and Oba market) in Owo local government and taken to the Plant Pathology Laboratory of the Department of Crops Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure. About 2g of deteriorated Okra fruit sample was sterilized and aseptically transfer into the sterile 20cm2 beaker. The bacteria isolated were incubated at 37+ 20c for 24hours in a Nutrient Agar (NA) plate. At the end of incubation period the Colonies forming units from violet bacteria cells were counted and recorded appropriately per gram of each of the deteriorating Okra sample. Pure culture of individual isolates was kept at 40c for biochemical test and isolates were identified. A total of 26 bacteria were isolated and identified from the Okra sample from the 3 local markets on the basis of colony morphology and the staining characteristics. Location A has the highest population of bacteria isolate while location B and C had lowest bacterial population. The highest occurring genera can be found in Micrococcus, Bacillus and Staphylococcus followed by Alcaligenes, Pediococcus, and Erwinia. Alcaligenes odorans and Bacillus pumilus are the most occurring species of bacteria isolated from the market. Total viable counts ranges from 1.20 X 10-8 (cfu/g) to 1.72 X 10-8 (cfu/g). The highest average coliform forming unit occurs in Location A (1.52 X 10-8 (cfu/g)) while the least average coliform forming unit occurred in Location B (1.23 X 10-8 (cfu/g)). Alcaligenes odorans Bacillus pumilus and Micrococcus spp. had the highest frequency of occurrence (67 %). The presence of these bacteria on Okra fruit are potential threat to its production most importantly coliforms, pose a serious threat to consumers' health as the bacteria could produce toxins, which are poisonous when consumed. Proper handling methods should be adopted by both farmer and consumers to minimize the bacterial deterioration of okra fruit in the study area.

Effects of microbial biofertilizer on growth, physio-biochemical traits, fruit yield, and water productivity of okra under drought stress

Drought poses a major challenge to global agricultural crop production, as it is considered one of the most severe abiotic stresses. Understanding the effects of exogenous microbial biofertilizer on okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] under drought stress can lead to new strategies for coping with drought conditions. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of microbial biofertilizer on growth, physio-biochemical traits, fruit yield, and water productivity of okra under drought stress. A factorial pot experiment, consisting of eight biofertilizer treatments applied as a soil drench (autoclaved inoculum [control], and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi [AMF], phosphate-solubilizing fungi [PSF], plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria [PGPR], AMF + PSF, AMF + PGPR, PGPR + PSF, and AMF + PSF + PGPR) and three soil moisture regimes (50%, 75%, and 100% field capacity [FC]), was carried out. The results indicated that decreasing soil moisture level severely affected growth and fruit yield of okra. The application of microbial biofertilizer effectively enhanced growth, fruit yield, and physio-biochemical traits of okra under different soil moisture levels. Among the biofertilizer treatments considered, the combined application of AMF and PGPR showed remarkable efficacy in enhancing growth and productivity of okra plants under both 75% and 100% FC conditions. This co-inoculation significantly boosted shoot dry matter by 51%, root dry matter by 73%, fruit yield by 113%, and irrigation water productivity by 122% compared with plants grown without inoculation, irrespective of soil moisture levels. Furthermore, the plants treated with AMF and PGPR exhibited a noteworthy decrease in free proline accumulation by 31% compared with their non-inoculated counterparts. The results suggest that application of both AMF and PGPR biofertilizer to soil is an effective strategy to alleviate moderate drought stress. It is recommended to apply AMF and PGPR in combination to improve okra yield and water productivity under drought stress.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Okra Mucilage: Rheological Properties of its Aqueous Solutions

Using chemical and physicochemical techniques, we extracted the mucilaginous component of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) by the ultrasound-assisted extraction method, then evaluated the resulting polysaccharide extract's rheological properties. Our investigation encompassed examining the flow behavior of polysaccharides extracted under different okra to distilled water ratios (1:10 and 1:30) and various polysaccharide concentrations (1, 2, 3 and 4%, w/v) over a temperature range of 10°C to 80°C. Employing the power law model, we derived parameters and found that okra polysaccharides displayed non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow characteristics. The flow behavior index ranged from 0.234 to 0.947, with the consistency coefficient ranging from 4.37 to 244.50 mPa.s. Increasing temperature resulted in a decrease in both the consistency coefficient (K) and flow behavior index (n), while concentration elevation led to higher consistency coefficient values. However, the flow behavior index did not exhibit consistent trends with concentration variations. Three statistical parameters; correlation coefficient (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and chi-square (χ2) were used to evaluate the fit of the power law model to the experimental data. Our study further explored temperature’s impact on the apparent viscosities of okra polysaccharide samples and modeled the influence of temperature on the consistency index using the Arrhenius equation. Samples with solid-to-solvent ratios of 1:10 and 1:30 showed increasing activation energy with concentration rise, with the highest value recorded at 275.84 kJ/mol for the 1:10 ratio sample with a 4% concentration. In SEM images, okra polymers exhibit irregular, wavy, rough textured surface, and amorphous appearance. These findings hold promise for optimizing ultrasound extraction protocols and enhancing the industrial utilization of mucilages through their rheological properties.

Effects of Abelmoschus esculentus Extracts and Fractions on Embryos and Adult Individuals of Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) and on Schistosoma mansoni Cercariae

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma. In Brazil, there are reports of infection by the Schistosoma mansoni species, which has the Biomphalaria glabrata snail as one of its intermediate hosts. The present work aimed to test the effects of different Abelmoschus esculentus seed extracts and fractions on adults and embryos of B. glabrata and S. mansoni cercariae. A total of four crude extracts and thirteen fractions with different organic solvents were used for the bioassays. The extracts were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Molluscicidal activity was assessed in 24-well plates, after which the LC50 and LC90 were calculated. Assays with B. glabrata embryos and S. mansoni cercariae were also performed. These findings indicate the presence of flavanoids in the hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol crude extracts. For the molluscicidal activity assays, eight fractions had an LC90 value less than that recommended by the WHO. The methanol fraction of the dichloromethane extract (FrMeOH EDM) had the most promising results, with an LC90 of 37.15 mg/L and 100% mortality in embryos of B. glabrata and cercariae. FrMeOH, EDM, and other fractions are possible candidates for new drugs for the combat of schistosomiasis.

Peningkatan Hasil Tanaman Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (l.) moench) dengan Pemberian ZPT Auksin dan Pupuk Kandang Ayam

The study was conducted in the experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Asahan University, Jalan Jendral Ahmad Yani, Kisaran, Asahan Regency from March until May 2021. The study aims to the find out the increase in yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) by giving auxin and chicken manure. This study used randomized complete block design with two factors: (1) Auxin (Z) with 3 levels: Z0 = 0 ppm, Z1 = 100 ppm, Z2 = 200, (2) Chicken manure (A) with 3 levels: A0 = 0 kg/polybag, A1 = 1 kg/polybag, A2 = 2 kg/polybag. Observation parameters were harvesting age, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight. The result showed that the application of Auxin did not show any significant effect on harvesting age, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight. Application cow manure showed any significant effect on harvesting age, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, the best treatment is A2 = 2 kg/polybag. Interaction of the application of auxin with chicken manure did not show any significant effect on all observation parameters.

Exploring multivariate associations of yield and yield-associated traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) accessions in the Northwestern Region of India

Evaluating genetic diversity simplifies the identification of superior genotypes, facilitating the development of high-yielding, resilient to climatic conditions and promoting effective crop improvement. The present study aimed to examine the divergence, correlation and path analysis across 55 okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) germplasms for 17 traits during the summer season (March- July) of 2022. The experiment utilized randomized complete block design with three replications conducted in Phagwara, Punjab. Analysis of variance suggested a sufficient amount of genetic variation was found among all genotypes. Using Mahalanobis D2 analysis, the samples were classified into seven clusters, the largest being cluster I, composing 34 germplasm. Only one germplasm was found in Clusters II, IV, V, VI, and VII. The inter-cluster distance was highest between clusters II and VII, whereas the intra-cluster distance was greatest in Cluster III. The number of fruits per plant had the highest percent contribution to the divergence, accounting for 49.63%. At both phenotypic and genotypic levels, there was a strong positive correlation (+) observed between fruit yield and various characteristics, including plant height, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, number of marketable fruits per plant, average fruit weight, and the number of pickings. Genotypic path analysis revealed that characteristics such as the first flowering node, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, plant height, inter-nodal length, number of nodes per plant, number of fruits per plant, marketable fruits per plant, and average fruit weight exhibited a positive and direct effect on fruit yield. When selecting this trait to improve yield in okra through breeding, it is essential to focus on specific characteristics that directly contribute to higher production. This research will help resilient okra varieties understand yield-influencing factors in Punjab environmental conditions.

Correlation of Antioxidant Properties Between Immature and Mature Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus) Fruits

This study aimed to assess and compare the antioxidant activity and content (total flavonoid levels and total phenolic) of mature and immature okra. The antioxidant activity of okra fruits was assayed using four methods, namely: Aluminium Chloride Colorimetric assay, Folin-Ciocalteu assay, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and Reducing Antioxidant Power assay (FRAP) assays. The immature, mature, and very mature okra samples (less than 8 days, 10-15 days, and more than 20 days, respectively) were extracted using two different solvents (65% ethanol and water). The sample that was extracted with mature ethanol had the highest Total Phenolic Content (TPC) at 21.564 ± 1.635 mg GAE/g, while the sample that was extracted with extremely mature ethanol had the highest TFC at 54.391 ± 8.224 mg QE/g. The mature 65% ethanolic extracted sample showed the lowest IC50 value of DPPH scavenging activity (0.920± 0.096 mg/ml), and the mature ethanol extracted sample had the highest FRAP value (232.018± 5.337 μmol Fe2+/g). These studies showed that ethanolic extracts of mature Abelmoschus esculentus had higher antioxidant content and activity than okra water extracts. Based on the DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay revealed favourable associations between TPC (r = 0.860), TFC (r = 0.742), and antioxidant activity as evaluated by FRAP, demonstrating that both phenolics and flavonoids contributed to the extract’s antioxidant properties. Both TPC and TFC showed negative correlations with IC50 values (r = -0.766, r = -0.650, respectively). In conclusion, the mature okra fruits extracted with 65% ethanol give higher antioxidant content than the water extracts of okra fruits and potentially be used as a source of antioxidants rather than be discarded.

The Effect of Different Ratio Combinations of Rice Husk Charcoal: Soil Media and Different NPK Fertilizer Rates on Growth and Fruit Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Okra plant is a vegetable plant that contains many vitamins and minerals that are very good for health. Increased production of okra plants can be done by setting the composition of the media and the provision of NPK fertilizer. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of the composition of charcoal husk planting media and NPK fertilizer is appropriate for the growth and yield of okra plants. The experiment was carried out in Air Tawar Barat sub-district, North Padang sub-district, Padang City from September to December 2019. This study used a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) factorial with 2 factors. The first factor with the composition of charcoal planting media husks banding soil 0:1, 1;1, 1;2 and 1:3 . and the second factor with NPK fertilizer doses 400kg/ha, 500kg/ha and 600kg/ha repeated 4 times. The observation data is analyzed with the F test at a 5% level, if the F count is greater than the F table then continue with the Duncan New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at a real level of 5%. The results of the study showed there is an interaction between the administration of the composition of the planting media of charcoal husks and soil 1:2 and the administration of NPK fertilizer dose 3.0g / polybag to the height of plants, as well as the provision of the composition of planting media affects the lifespan of flowers, the number of flowers, the number of fruit, the length of fruit, the diameter of the fruit and the total weight of the fruit.

Agronomic evaluation of introgressed lines developed for yellow vein mosaic disease resistance in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Agronomic evaluation of introgressed lines developed for yellow vein mosaic disease resistance in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Multivariate Analysis of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] Genotypes and Hybrids based on Mineral Content

Background: In 2021, the world production of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] was over 10.8 million tonnes which is led by India (about 60%). The objective of this study was to determine mineral content of genotypes and hybrids of okra identified by our in-house heterosis breeding programme. Methods: The samples were digested in a heating block using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for mineral profiling of okra samples. Result: The results were evaluated using multivariate analysis. The genotype EC169474 was with the highest concentration of minerals Na (184.91 μg/g), K (14613.52 μg/g) and Fe (268.76 μg/g), while, EC169477 was found to have highest concentration of Mg (6530.76 μg/g) and Ca (273.58 μg/g). Comparatively, in hybrids, EC 169470 x EC169474 contains highest concentration of minerals Na (177.27 μg/g) and Ca (253.01 μg/g), EC169474 x EC169477 contains highest Mg (6301.74 μg/g) and hybrid EC169468 x EC169477 contains highest K (14412.99 μg/g) and Fe (246.51 μg/g). Principal component analysis (PCA) reveals that the element that contributed most for the variability between the genotypes and hybrids was K, moderate contribution by Ca, Fe and Na, while, Mg being the least. Score plot of principal components reveals EC169470 and EC169477 among the most variable genotypes and EC169470 x EC169477 was the most variable hybrid. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) tends to separate all analyzed samples in two major clusters. However, the genotypes EC169474 and EC169477 were grouped in hybrid cluster, while, hybrid EC169470 ´ EC169477 grouped with genotype cluster. The multivariate analysis revealed a systematic difference in the mineral content of okra. The results presented in this study are of great value for nutritionally dense breeding programmes for okra that provides important nutritional diversity by hybrids.