Okra Cultivars Research Articles

PGPR-Induced Biochemical Defense Mechanisms for Leafhopper (Amrasca devastans) Management in Okra Cultivation

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is a widely grown vegetable in Asia, valued for its nutritional properties and culinary uses. Nevertheless, it is significantly threatened by leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), which can transmit various plant viruses. To promote sustainable production and protect the crop from pest damage, a field study was conducted on a microplot in Kasilingapuram, Karungulam block, Thoothukudi district, during the Rabi season of 2020 and the Summer of 2021. Different Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs) were applied to the hybrid COBh 4 okra cultivars via soil, seed, and foliar treatments, and their effects on leafhopper populations were evaluated. The results indicated a notable reduction in leafhopper population in Bacillus subtilis Bbv57 treated okra plants than untreated plants during both Rabi 2020 and Summer 2021 seasons. Likewise, the biochemical parameters were also observed in elevated levels in Bacillus subtilis Bbv57 treated plants in both the seasons. These findings suggest that the use of PGPRs may be an effective approach for managing leafhopper populations in okra cultivation.

Exploitation of heterosis and combining ability potential for improvement in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is a vital vegetable crop known for its nutritional and economic significance, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Studying heterosis and combining ability in okra is crucial for enhancing its yield, quality, and resistance to pests and diseases. Heterosis can lead to superior offspring with enhanced traits while understanding combining ability helps in identifying the best parent combinations for breeding programs. Okra is an often cross-pollinated crop; therefore, exploiting heterosis is advantageous. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2022 at the Experimental Farm and Quality Analysis Laboratory, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India to evaluate the heterosis and combining ability in okra to facilitate the development of high-yielding, resilient cultivars. The experimental material consisted of an F1 population of 30 crosses obtained from 10 parental lines crossed with three testers in a Line × Tester mating design, plus a standard check (Punjab-8). Estimates of heterosis (heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis) of the cross combinations UHFO-6 × Pusa Bhindi-5, UHFO-6 × Arka Anamika and UHFO-9 × Arka Anamika were high for inter-nodal distance, number of pods per plant, average pod weight, pod yield per plant, harvest duration, hundred seed weight, mucilage content, etc. Higher estimates of general combining ability (GCA) effects for pod yield per plant were observed in the parental lines UHFO-6 (123.47) and UHFO-9 (7.49). Among the cross combinations, UHFO-10 × Hisar Unnat (38.81), UHFO-2 × Pusa Bhindi-5 (38.29), UHFO-2 × Arka Anamika (17.42), and UHFO-5 × Arka Anamika (15.06) demonstrated higher estimates of specific combining ability (SCA) effects for pod yield per plant. The cross UHFO-2 × Hisar Unnat (160.00) exhibited the highest heterobeltiosis for mucilage content, while UHFO-10 × Arka Anamika (562.03) showed the highest standard heterosis for total polyphenol content. These cross combinations could produce okra with enhanced nutritional and medicinal properties. The highest GCA and SCA effects for pod yield per plant were observed in UHFO-6 (123.47) and UHFO-10 × Hisar Unnat (38.81), respectively. Identifying these parental lines and cross combinations based on their combining ability can result in the development of okra hybrids with substantially higher yields. In future, after multi-location trials, these parents and crosses can be released to replace existing okra cultivars (hybrids/varieties). Higher yielding and better quality okra cultivars can enhance the profitability for farmers, contribute to food security, and meet market demands more efficiently.

Investigating the Influence of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Three Varieties of Okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i>)

Fertilizers play an important role in enhancing crop yield, growth, and fertility of the soil. This research was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture teaching and research farm, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria to investigate the influence of inorganic fertilizer (urea) and organic manure (spent mushroom substrate and poultry manure) on the yield and growth parameters of three okra cultivars (Clemson Spineless, Perkin Long Pod and the Local Assertion). The urea was applied at the rate of 4g per 10kg of soil, while spent mushroom substrate and poultry manure were applied at the rates of 200g and 150g per 10kg of soil respectively at 4 weeks after planting. The treatments were laid in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 replications. The results revealed that the okra cultivars responded positively to both organic manures when compared with urea and the control group where no fertilizer was applied. Furthermore, varieties grown with poultry manure generally had the highest fresh fruit weight, plant height, fruit length, number of fruits, and fresh fruit yield. Spent mushroom substrate influenced the number of fruits and fruit yield while urea influenced the leaf area, number of leaves, and leaf area index. Poultry manure was recorded as the best organic manure for okra growth and yield and is recommended to be used to grow okra plants. Also, the Perkin Long Pod variety is recommended to be the best for cultivation.

Influence of Different Rates of Salinity on Flowering, Yield and Fruit Nutritional Value of Three Okra [<i>Abelmoschus esculentus </i>(L.) Moench] Cultivars in far North Region of Cameroon

<i>Context: </i>Salinity is in coastal, arid and semi-arid regions a major constraint in the productivity and agricultural development around the world. <i>Objectifs: </i>The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of salinity on the growth, the nutritional value of the fruits of three okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus </i>L.) cultivars including two local (Javia and Parkwa) and a hybrid variety (Hire). <i>Methodology: </i>This is how four solutions of different NaCl concentrations from 0, 60, 120 to 240 mM were used to water okra plants at the four-leaves stage and this for two months in completely randomized device with four repetitions. <i>Results: </i>The results have differneces and similarities between the three varities during saline treatments. Salinity causes a decrease in growth, performance yield (from 0 to 240 mM NaCl to 28%, 23.6% and 22% in Parkwa, Hire, Javia cultivars respectively), mineral elements, antioxidants components and accumulation of Na content (to 45% in Parkwa, 23% in Hire and 18.4% in Javia from 0 to 240 mM NaCl) and flowering period (from 0 to 240 mM NaCl to 27.5%, 23.1% et 21.9% in Parkwa, Hire, Javia respectively). The reductions generated by salt have been less strong in Javia and Hire cultivars while the reductions were stronger at Parkwa cultivar. In addition, NaCl, at high concentrations, advantage of osmoticum accumulation involved in the osmotic ajustement mechanisms and would also serve as osmoprotector. Accumulation of osmolytes is salinity tolerance index that explains the maintenance of good water status in okra.<i> Conclusion:</i> Cultivars Javia and Hire were the most salt tolerant while the Parkwa was the most sensitive. The good behaviour of Javia and Hire varieties in the face of salinity can be considered for their use to better enhance the sahelian and coastal areas.

Impact of sequential and concurrent inoculations of Meloidogyne incognita and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum on the growth performance of diverse okra cultivars

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of inoculation methods viz. concurrent and sequential inoculations of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, and the wilt-causing fungus, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum, on various growth parameters of nine okra cultivars. The study aimed to identify cultivars that exhibited robust growth parameters in response to these two pathogens. Significant disparities were found in shoot lengths among cultivars and inoculation methods (F=1033.86, P0.001), with Arka Anamika, Irka-1, and Irka-2 experiencing the most considerable reductions. In contrast, Pusa Swami and Green Star had the least reduction across all inoculation treatments. Sequential inoculation led to shoot length reductions ranging from 76.00% to 90.25%, averaging 87.07%. Concurrent inoculation resulted in reductions between 82.50% and 95.98%, averaging 90.29%. For nematode inoculation followed by fungus after 15 days, the reductions ranged from 81.74% to 95.34%, with an average of 89.21%. Regarding root length, concurrent inoculation generally had a less detrimental effect on root lengths compared to sequential inoculation. The reduction in root length varied from 0.01% to 24.72%, with concurrent inoculation showing less reduction than sequential methods. Similarly, concurrent inoculation typically resulted in lesser reductions in shoot weights compared to sequential inoculations, with reductions ranging widely among cultivars. Unlike shoot weight, concurrent inoculation did not consistently increase root weight compared to sequential methods. In conclusion, the study suggests that concurrent inoculation of M. incognita and F. oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum is less harmful to the growth parameters of okra cultivars than sequential inoculation, with some variations among specific cultivars.

Determination of Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) Infestation on Different Cultivars of Okra Abelmoschus esculentus

The responses of commercial cultivars of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) to several pests were assessed. Research on okra's varietal resistance to the main insect pest, Abelmoschus esculentus (L), was carried out in the Department of Entomology's experimental field at the College of Agriculture, Gwalior, during the 2015–2016 kharif season. Where in the eight types of okra (Pusa A-4, Pusa falguni, Jaya, Swati, Shreya, Viraj, and Virat. Maximum shoot infestation (8.13%) was found in Pusa A-4, followed by Kashi pargati and Pusa falguni with 7.29% and 5.88%, respectively. Minimum shoot infestation (1.41%) was recorded in Jaya, which was on par with Shreya, followed by Swati, Viraj, and Virat with 2.03%, 4.47 %, 5.15 %, and 5.38 %, respectively. Shreya and Jaya were on level with one another. Maximum fruit infestation (19.57%) was found in Pusa A-4, followed by Kashi pargati and Pusa falguni with 17.76% and 14.62%, respectively. Minimum fruit infestation (1.99%) was found in Jaya, followed by Shreya, Swati, Viraj, and Virat with 4.46 %, 10.67 %, 12.28 %, and 12.73 %, respectively.

Differential Biotic and Abiotic Induced Stress Levels Confer Varying Morphological Responses in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Cultivars

Differential Biotic and Abiotic Induced Stress Levels Confer Varying Morphological Responses in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Cultivars

Impact of the Interaction between Meloidogyne javanica and Fusarium oxysporum on the Okra Plantation

The development of diseases in cultivated crops depends on the complex interrelationship between the host, pathogen, and prevailing environmental conditions. The interaction between the root knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica and the fungus Fusarium oxysporum was studied for the okra cultivar Pusa Sawani. Sequential and simultaneous inoculation of the nematode and fungus was performed to observe the disease severity in the plants due to the individual and interactive effects of the tested nematode and fungus. The results indicated that plant growth was adversely affected in all cases where the plant was inoculated with M. javanica and F. oxysporum, compared to the uninoculated control. The study clearly showed that nematodes act as predisposing factors in the spread of secondary fungal pathogens.

Combined performance of okra cultivars and certain insecticides for management of Earias vittella (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Assam, India

Combined performance of okra cultivars and certain insecticides for management of Earias vittella (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Assam, India

Grafting compatibility between Okra cultivars and root-knot nematode resistant Kenaf

The use of intergeneric grafting has been reported as an alternative to manage root­knot nematodes in okra, but the compatibility for grafting has only been tested in a few okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) cultivars. The kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is resistant to root­knot nematode species and is a potential rootstock for okra. The objective was to study the compatibility of kenaf as rootstock with okra cultivars. It was used a completely randomized design, in factorial scheme 3x10, with five repetitions. The compatibility was assessed by measuring several vegetative characteristics. All cultivars are compatible for grafting with kenaf as rootstock. Grafting onto kenaf may be an option to control root­knot nematodes.

Redução do estresse salino em quiabeiro sob fertirrigação potássica

ABSTRACT Potassium fertigation may be a strategy to reduce saline stress in okra. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of potassium supplementation as a salinity-attenuating agent in okra. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region, in Mossoró-RN, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, in 2x5 factorial scheme with 4 replicates. Two okra cultivars (Santa Cruz 47 and Valença) fertigated with five fertigation managements [F1= irrigation with non-saline water (0.55 dS/m) and fertigation with a standard dose of potassium (6 g/plant); F2= irrigation with saline water (3.5 dS/m) and fertigation with 6 g/plant of K, F3= irrigation with saline water (3.5 dS/m) and fertigation with 9 g/plant of K, F4= irrigation with saline water (3.5 dS/m) and fertigation with 12 g/plant of K, and F5= irrigation with saline water (3.5 dS/m) and fertigation with 15 g/plant of K]. Plants were collected 110 days after emergence and evaluated for growth variables (leaf number, leaf area, leaf dry mass, stem dry mass, total dry mass) and yield (fruit number, average fruit mass and fruit production). Potassium influenced the growth and yield characteristics of okra irrigated with saline water. The highest yields of fruits occurred at 9.56 and 10.23 g/plant of K, being 330.24 and 733.36 g/plant obtained from cultivars Santa Cruz 47 and Valença, respectively. Okra irrigated with saline water is more demanding in potassium.

Yield, Antioxidant Activity and Total Polyphenol Content of Okra Fruits Grown in Slovak Republic

Climate change, linked with an increase in temperature, contributes to the possibility growing of non-typical and lesser-known vegetable species in the Slovak Republic, including okra. Seven okra cultivars were tested as part of this study, which focused on the basic yield parameters, antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content in okra fruits. The statistical analysis of obtained results revealed significant differences in all monitored parameters of okra. The selection of “plastic” crop cultivars that can produce a steadier yield in each growing year is required due to the significant climate variations between growing seasons. In this regard, the okra cultivar ‘Baby Bubba’ can be recommended. The results also showed the high antioxidant activity and polyphenol content of okra pulp and seeds. Okra has a higher nutritional quality than other vegetable species frequently grown in the Slovak Republic. Okra cultivars ‘Burgundy’, ‘Pure Luck F1′ and ‘Jing Orange’ can be suggested from a nutritional perspective. Finally, it is possible to state that okra cultivars showed good yield potential and nutritional quality compared to the studies realized in countries in which okra is known and commonly used by the human population.

EFFECT OF YELLOW VEIN MOSAIC VIRUS DISEASE OF OKRA ON GROWTH AND PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF SOME OKRA CULTIVARS IN DUTSIN-MA

The study was conducted on okra, an important food consumed in Dutsin ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. Reports have indicates the effect of viral infections on produce quantity and quality, this study determined and document the effect of yellow vein mosaic virus disease of okra on performance and nutritional composition of some okra cultivars in Dutsin-ma, Sudan Savannah. Seedlings were inoculated with the virus at 1 week post emergence. Each cultivar was evaluated as inoculated (infected) and uninoculated (Healthy) treatments. Percent disease severity of infection (%), yield related parameters and proximate analysis of pod were measured. Data were subjected to independent t test and significance was determined at 5 % level of probability. Percent disease severity was highest in ‘Yar Balla’ (21.3%) as compared to the remaining cultivars. Reductions in plant height (8.8 %), fruit weight (37.6 %) and crude protein were significantly lower in ‘Yar Balla’ and ‘Jikin Mutum’ The present study reveal that the reduction in crude protein as a result of YVMV infection would worsen the protein deficiency problem of the populace who depend on the crop as the cheapest means of obtaining their daily protein and mineral requirement. There is therefore the need to prevent viral infection of vegetable crops in order to ensure high yield and guarantee its nutritive value.

SCREENING AND IDENTIFICATION OF GENETIC PURITY OF OKRA HYBRID [RANI] AND ITS PARENTAL LINES BASED ON MOLECULAR MARKERS

The present investigation was carried out to identify the genetic purity of okra hybrid and its parental line based on molecular markers. For the evaluation of genetic purity and varietal identification from collected Okra samples, molecular markers and polymerase chain reaction, as well as DNA fingerprinting approaches, were advocated. These samples were accumulated from field and nursery Adithya seeds Pvt. Ltd, Raipur (C.G) within the duration of study and research from January to July 2018. Genetic purity test over the conventional Grow-Out-Test (GOT) was achieved by using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers for identifying and emphasizing of hybrid. Using 3 lines of Okra cultivars, we analysed the products of PCR with RAPD and ISSR primers and discussed the design for constructing their Genetic Purity. Towards this study 64 random primers were screened between okra hybrid (Rani) and its parental lines [male line (206) and female line (189)]. Out of 64 primers only one primer (ISSR-B17898) showed polymorphic banding pattern between hybrid and its parental lines which helped in the identification and confirmation of okra hybrid. Hence, concluded that Genetic purity test is necessary for seed certification of different categories in seed multiplication chain both from agronomic as well as breeding point of view and proved to be explicit technology for researchers.

The complete mitochondrial genome of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus): using nanopore long reads to investigate gene transfer from chloroplast genomes and rearrangements of mitochondrial DNA molecules

BackgroundOkra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is an economically important crop and is known for its slimy juice, which has significant scientific research value. The A. esculentus chloroplast genome has been reported; however, the sequence of its mitochondrial genome is still lacking.ResultsWe sequenced the plastid and mitochondrial genomes of okra based on Illumina short reads and Nanopore long reads and conducted a comparative study between the two organelle genomes. The plastid genome of okra is highly structurally conserved, but the mitochondrial genome of okra has been confirmed to have abundant subgenomic configurations. The assembly results showed that okra’s mitochondrial genome existed mainly in the form of two independent molecules, which could be divided into four independent molecules through two pairs of long repeats. In addition, we found that four pairs of short repeats could mediate the integration of the two independent molecules into one complete molecule at a low frequency. Subsequently, we also found extensive sequence transfer between the two organelles of okra, where three plastid-derived genes (psaA, rps7 and psbJ) remained intact in the mitochondrial genome. Furthermore, psbJ, psbF, psbE and psbL were integrated into the mitochondrial genome as a conserved gene cluster and underwent pseudogenization as nonfunctional genes. Only psbJ retained a relatively complete sequence, but its expression was not detected in the transcriptome data, and we speculate that it is still nonfunctional. Finally, we characterized the RNA editing events of protein-coding genes located in the organelle genomes of okra.ConclusionsIn the current study, our results not only provide high-quality organelle genomes for okra but also advance our understanding of the gene dialogue between organelle genomes and provide information to breed okra cultivars efficiently.

Phenotypic screening of cultivated and wild okra germplasm against yellow vein mosaic and enation leaf curl diseases of okra in India

Okra yellow vein mosaic (OYVMD) and enation leaf curl diseases (OELCuD) caused by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) transmitted begomoviruses are important constraint for improvement and production okra in India. Okra germplasms consists of 178 cultivated/advanced lines (147 Advances okra lines + 31 popular varieties) and 146 accessions from 14 wild species originally collected from different national institutes located at different agro-climatic zones of India were evaluated for their response against OYVMD and OELCuD. The resistance levels both cultivated and wild species were assessed by visual scoring of symptoms in the field under natural conditions for two consecutive years in 2015 and 2016. None of the cultivated genotypes and wild species tested was found to be disease free except Abelmoschus enbeepeegeearnse, however, considerable variation in responses against OYVMD and OELCuD was observed among the genotypes. Of the 178 cultivated/advanced lines screened against OYVMD and OELCuD, seven genotypes showed highly resistant, one resistant, 2 moderately resistant and 146 accessions from 14 wild species, 17 accessions were showed highly resistant reaction, one accession resistant, 5 accessions moderately resistant for OYVMD. Similarly, for OELCuD, fifty-two okra genotypes showed highly resistant, three moderately resistant in cultivated/advanced lines and 125 accessions were found to be highly resistant, two resistant and three moderately resistant in wild accessions. The resistance cultivated/advanced lines could be used directly as varieties to manage OYVMD and OELCuD after adaption to various agro-climatic regions. The resistance in wild accessions could be used in future breeding programmes to develop okra cultivars resistant against both OYVMD and OELCuD.

Spatial variations in the biochemical potential of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Moench)] leaf and fruit under field conditions.

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.

Biological Resistance to Okra yellow vein mosaic virus Using Three Biological Agents on Three Okra Cultivars

Jadoua, J.A. and M.A.W. Al-Fahd. 2022. Biological Resistance to Okra yellow vein mosaic virus Using Three Biological Agents on Three Okra Cultivars. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 40(2): 148-157. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-40.2.148157 A study was conducted in Al-Alam District, Salah Al-Din Governorate, Iraq, during the fall season 2019-2020, with the goal of diagnosing the local isolate of Okra yellow vein mosaic virus (OYVMV) from infected plants using polymerase chain reaction. A genomic segment of OYVMV with a size of 750 was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a set of specific primers. By amplifying a 750 bp band on agarose gel, the field isolate tested was identified as a member of the genus Begomovirus, which was related to an Indian isolate of the same virus. The study included determining the efficacy of three biological factors: (A) a medicinal plant preparation from A. Paniculara, (H) a preparation from Lion's mushroom (H. erinaceus and (P) a preparation from P. florescence bacteria which has impact on virus infection, as well as determining the response of three okra varieties to virus infection. The use of the three combined factors (A+H+P) outperformed other treatments reducing virus infection rate of the Petra okra variety to 26.67 % and severity to 10.66 % as compared to 100% for the control. The findings showed that there were substantial variation in the peroxidase enzyme activity and chlorophyll content, with the A+H+P treatment producing 59.14 units/mg protein for the Petra variety and 40.81 Spad for the Hasnawi variety. The results also showed that there were extremely significant differences in yield, with the triple treatment (A+H+P) yielding 833.96 gm/plant for the Star variety compared to 537.44 gm/plant for the infected control that was not treated. Keywords: Biological control, viruses, okra

Sensitivity of Okra Growth Indices to Various Moisture Conditions

This study evaluates the effects of flooding conditions on two Okra cultivars (Ibadan local and Jokoso) at Abeokuta, Nigeria. The flooding conditions vary from continuous Flooding (FLD), Wetting after three Days (W3D), Wetting after five Days (W5D), Wetting after seven Days (W7D), andWetting after ten Days (W10D). The agronomic parameters (leaf width, leaf length, plant height, numbers of leaves, and leaf area) and yield data (weight, fruit diameter, fruit length) were subjected to analysis of variance and treatment means separated using the Least significant difference. Okra growth and fruit yield were significantly (p<0.05) affected by moisture conditions; FLD produced significantly (p<0.05) the tallest plant at 7 WAP in Ibadan Local and Jokoso with 34.0 and 42.2 m respectively while W10D gave the shortest plant height of 24.5 and 20.5 cm for Ibadan Local and Jokoso respectively. Several leaves at 7 WAP followed a similar trend as plant height with FLD producing significantly more leaves in Ibadan Local and Jokoso with 5.0 and 9.0 leaves respectively while W10D produced the lowest number of leaves of 2.67 and 2.33 leaves for Ibadan and Jokoso respectively. Okra Leaf Area was highest in FLD at 7WAP in Ibadan Local and Jokoso with 224.2 and 249.7 cm2, respectively and W10D produced 144.0 and 78.8 cm2 for Ibadan Local and Jokoso respectively. Moisture conditions significantly (p<0.05) affected fruit yield characters with FLD recorded the highest fruit weight of 13.97 and 0.87g for Ibadan Local and Jokoso, respectively, while W7D recorded 0.78 g for Ibadan Local and 0.00 g for Jokoso.Also, FLD recorded the highest fruit diameter in Jokoso with 6.43 and 2.63 cm for Ibadan Local while W7D recorded 2.23 cm for Ibadan Local and 0.0 cm for Jokoso. The trend for Fruit length was similar with FLD producing the longest fruits in Ibadan Local with 5.51 and 4.67 cm for Jokoso while W5D produced 4.62 cm in Ibadan Local and 3.00 cm in Jokoso. It could be concluded from the study that flood conditions such as continuous flooding, wetting after three days, and wetting after five days were suitable for the growth and fruit yield of okra cultivars; Ibadan Local and Jokoso in the study area while wetting after seven days and wetting after ten days appeared detrimental to these cultivars.

Biochemical constituents in okra cultivars affect the infestation of shoot and fruit borer, Earias vitella F.

Biochemical constituents in okra cultivars affect the infestation of shoot and fruit borer, Earias vitella F.