Fresh Okra Research Articles

Agricultural Valorization of Treated Effluent from Korhogo Wastewater Treatment Plant

Aims: The main objective is to evaluate the effluents of Korhogo’s wastewater treatment plant for irrigation and fertilization in agriculture. Study Design: Characterization of outlet treated wastewaters has been firstly done. Then their suitability for irrigation has been determined and finally their fertilizing power has been assessed. Place and Duration of Study: Department of geosciences, Korhogo’s wastewater treatment plant and laboratory. Sampling and analyses were carried out in January 2023, before agricultural field implementation started in February 2023. Methodology: Firstly, Physico-chemical and microbiological analyses, allowed characterization of outlet treated wastewaters. A determination of their suitability for irrigation was then done through Sodium Adsorption Ratio calculation and water classification with Diagram of Richards. An assessment of their fertilizing capacity was finally carried out using these waters for irrigating and fertilizing crop plots (3x2 m), and consisting of determining firstly their biodegradability index, then their nutrient contents (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and potassium), and the influence of their use on crop development and yield. Results: The results show that several parameters meet standards for discharge of treated wastewater except total nitrogen, suspended matters and total phosphorus (67.67 mg/l, 271.33 mg/l and 18.30 mg/l). Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) value=3.78 and C3S1 class indicate that these treated effluents can be used for irrigation without salinization risk. As fertilizer, treated effluents brought to crops respectively 603 kg/ha of nitrogen, 162 kg/ha of phosphorus and 99 kg/ha of potassium for maize; and 368.5 kg/ha of nitrogen, 99 kg/ha of phosphorus and 60.5 kg/ha of potassium respectively for Okra. A yield of 12.2 kg of fresh maize and 3.15 kg of fresh okra was obtained for the plot irrigated by treated effluents, compared with 4.80 kg of fresh maize and 0.36 kg of fresh okra for the plot irrigated by well water. Conclusion: This study has shown that outlet treated wastewater from Korhogo’s wastewater treatment plant is suitable for crops irrigation, contains sufficient nutrients enhancing crops development and yield.

Gastroprotective Effect of Abelmoschus esculentus (Ex-Maradi Okra Fruit Variety) Against Ethanol-Induced Ulcers in Rats

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt The study evaluates the gastroprotective properties of the Ex-Maradi variety of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in Wister rats, specifically comparing fresh okra mucilage (FOM) and dried okra powder (DOP). The significant ulcer inhibition and antioxidant effects of DOP, particularly at a 500 mg/kg dosage, indicate its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for peptic ulcer disease. The research highlights the potential for developing green anti-ulcer formulations derived from okra, expanding the scope of nutraceutical applications for this commonly consumed vegetable. Full Abstract Peptic ulcer disease, a notable gastrointestinal disorder, results from an imbalance between gastric acid secretion and the factors maintaining gastric mucosal integrity. Abelmoschus esculentus, commonly known for its mucilaginous and nutraceutical properties, also exhibits an antacid effect. This research aimed to examine the antacid properties of fresh okra fruit mucilage (FOM) and dried okra fruit powder (DOP) of the Ex-Maradi okra fruit variety against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in Wister rats. Rats were randomly assigned to seven groups consisting of six rats each. Rats in the FOM and that of the DOP group were pretreated orally with 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the FOM and DOP, respectively; the drug control (DC) group was pretreated orally with 20 mg/kg body weight of Cimetidine while the normal control (NC) group and the ulcer control (UC) group were pretreated orally with normal saline (2 mL/kg body weight). All the treatments were done for seven days before the induction of the ulcer. Ulcer index (UI), percentage inhibition (PI), gastric volume, gastric pH, total acidity, and total antioxidant power (TAP) were evaluated to assess the gastro-protective effect of the FOM and DOP in the rats. Both FOM and DOP groups demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) protection with a low ulcer index (2.41 ± 0.12) and high ulcer inhibition (75.6 %) against the damaging effect of ethanol on the gastric mucosa of the animals. Additionally, DOP also exhibited a strong antioxidant effect with a good percentage inhibition value (56.53 ± 2.1%) compared to the ulcer control group. These results were further supported by the histopathological findings from the rats’ stomachs. In conclusion, the Ex-Maradi okra fruit, especially the DOP500, demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) gastro-protective effects and maintained a relatively intact and continuous epithelial surface of the rats’ stomachs. Overall, its gastroprotective effects may be possibly mediated by its potential to modulate the antioxidant system and gastric acid levels. Hence, the dried okra fruit could be suitable for the development of green anti-ulcer formulations.

Energy analysis, mass transfer, and rehydration kinetics of okra dried using evacuated tube solar dryer

ABSTRACT Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), like most fruits and vegetables, deteriorates quickly after harvesting due to its high moisture content and respiration rate. To preserve it and mitigate the post-harvest losses, a developed evacuated tube solar dryer (ETSD) with heat pipes was used to dry fresh okra. Thermal profiling of the ETSD was carried out to investigate the range of temperature gain inside the drying chamber. The effect of different blanching temperatures, viz. 70, 80, and 90°C, on drying characteristics and physical properties like color, water activity, and rehydration kinetics of okra were investigated. The energy efficiency of the collector ranged from 13.21% to 42.67%. Similarly, the convective mass transfer coefficient was calculated and ranged from 3.41 × 10−07 to 8.57 × 10−07 m/s. The okra blanched at 80°C, showing maximum greenness retention and lower water activity. The rehydration ratio was 6.05, 7.19, 7.73, and 7.41 for control, and okra blanched at 70, 80, and 90°C. The rehydration kinetics were analyzed using four distinct models: Peleg, Weibull, exponential, and first order. The Weibull model demonstrated the most accurate fit to the data. It is suggested that okra blanched at 80°C and dried under ETSD gives better retention of color and a higher mass transfer and rehydration rate.

Synergistic effect of red-white LED and modified atmosphere packaging on okra quality maintenance and its mechanism in simulated cold chain logistics

Okra is rich in nutritional value, but transportation vibration, cold chain breakage and improper storage can quickly accelerate quality deterioration. In this study, we simulated the cold chain transportation process to find the synergistic effect of red-white LED illumination combined with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on okra quality maintenance and its mechanism of action. After 16 d of storage, LED+MAP can better avoid water loss and wilting in okra. The fracturability was 35 %, 33 %, and 40 % of fresh okra for LED, MAP, and LED+MAP, respectively, compared to 17 % for CK. CK produced unpleasant odors, but the odor of LED+MAP was close to the fresh. LED+MAP maintained the stability of the nutrient content of okra. The chlorophyll content of LED+MAP was reduced to 64 % of the original compared to 35 % of that for CK. The total phenol content of LED+MAP was reduced to 55 % of the original compared to 26 % of that for CK. The total flavonoid content of LED+MAP was reduced to 72 % of the original compared to 56 % of that for CK. LED+MAP regulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and the antioxidant capacity was significantly higher than that of the other groups. The ascorbic acid content of LED+MAP was reduced to 52 % of the original compared to 38 % of that for CK. The MDA content of LED+MAP was 3.83 times of the original compared to 8.52 times of that for CK. The electrolyte leakage of LED+MAP was 2.12 times of the original compared to 2.86 times of that for CK. With the increase of storage time, O2 concentration in MAP showed a decreasing trend and CO2 showed an increasing trend. O2 in LED+MAP showed a growing trend followed by a decreasing trend and CO2 showed a decreasing trend followed by a rising trend. LED+MAP complemented the shortcomings of the single technology and was more effective in delaying the quality deterioration of okra.

Evaluation of glycemic response of ten local meals commonly consumed from Chad

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by the presence of chronic hyperglycaemia accompanied by greater or lesser impairment in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, including defects in either insulin secretion or response. The function of pancreatic cells gradually declines before the onset of clinical hyperglycemia. Its prevalence is increasing everywhere, especially in the developing countries due to the consumption of unknown glycemic index (GI) foods. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the GI of some local meals from Chad. In this purpose, ten meals were investigated and 60 non-diabetic volunteers were recruited in the present study. The proximate composition and the GI of these meals were determined. Results showed that 5 main ingredients (Hibiscus esculentus, Ipomea batata, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Corchorus oletorius and seeds of Parkia biglobosa) differentiate the meals. Soluble sugars and total carbohydrates levels showed a significant (p < 0.05) difference between meals (staples and sauces). The highest value of total carbohydrate of staples was found in Peeled dried sorghum ((BD); 31.80 %) while Cooked rice ((RZ); 19.82 %) has the lowest amount. Then, total carbohydrate content of sauces was in the range of 3.95 % (Leaves of Corchorus oletorius (MLK)) and 8.76 % (Dried okra + Fresh meat (GSV)) while, Sorrel leaves + Smoked fish ((OSP); 2.51 %) and Dried okra + Smoked fish ((GSP); 1.31 %) recorded the highest and lower values of soluble sugars, respectively. Moreover, Peeled dried maize + Dried okra + Fresh meat (MD/GSV) meal showed the highest GI (115.76 %) while the lowest value was found with Cooked rice + Sorrel leaves + Smoked fish (RZ/OZP) meal (31.08 %). The GI of Peeled dried maize + Fresh okra + Fresh meat (MD/GFV) attained a peak of 140 at 40 min while the peak of 130 was obtained with Peeled dried maize + Fresh okra + Smoked fish (MD/GFP) meal at the same time compared to glucose (160 at 40 min). Five meals (OSP/RZ; MD/GFP; MD/GFV; BD/GFP and BD/MLK) were low GI foods and were the best meals for human-being in terms of preventing diabetes mellitus. The consumption of such meals can provide a substantial contribution to the improvement of the Chadian diets.

Influence of trona (sodium sesquicarbonate) concentrations and storage period on the physicochemical properties, antinutrients, micronutrients and sensory qualities of dried okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) powder

The potential of trona (sodium sesquicarbonate) as a natural preservative in dried-okra powder was examined in this study. Fresh okra was dried at 55 °C and then ground to powder. It was mixed with ground trona at 2%, 4%, 6% and 10% concentrations and then stored at ambient temperature for six weeks. The functional, nutritional, antinutritional, physicochemical and sensory properties of the okra powder samples were examined every two weeks. Drying resulted in significant (p < 0.05) loss of moisture (94%), pH, flavonoids (34%), tannin (4.63%), phytate (32.70%), oxalate (24.49%), β-carotene (43%) and ascorbic acid (53%) content of the okra. Color loss occurred in trona-treated samples and during storage but it was better retained at low trona concentration. Moisture (5.28–6.03%), viscosity (96.30–124.55 mpa.s) and pH (5.64–8.30) of the okra powder increased with increasing trona concentration and then decreased during storage. Trona mostly decreased the packed bulk density (0.84–0.72 g/mL), water absorption (686.28–423.22%), oil absorption capacity (188.07–124.54%) and water solubility index (12.12–10.27%) of the okra but they were mostly stable during storage. Trona decreased the flavonoids, tannin, calcium, potassium and phosphorus of the okra powder while the phytate, oxalate and sodium mostly increased. Antinutrients and minerals showed slight reduction during the storage period. Most of the trona-treated okra samples showed lower β-carotene and ascorbic acid content which were better retained during storage than in the control. All the soups prepared from fresh and stored okra powders were acceptable to the panelists. However, freshly-dried okra with 2–4% trona and okra stored with 4–6% trona for six weeks are recommended for preparing nutritious soups with high acceptability.

Correlation between Body Mass Index with Anaemia Status of Pregnant women after Intervention Infused Okra Water and Ferrous Sulfate

Background: Lack of intake of macronutrients such as energy, protein and micronutrients such as iron, vitamins in the daily diet of pregnant women is a problem that has an impact on iron deficiency and chronic energy deficiency. To increase the bioavailability and absorption of iron sulfate supplements and improve the nutritional status of pregnant women, researchers provide interventions by consuming infused okra water. Okra contains macronutrients and micronutrients that can provide nutrition during pregnancy and increase iron absorption. This study aims to analyse the nutritional status of pregnant women by measuring BMI and its relation to their anaemia status. Methods: This research is a experimental study with a one group pretest-posttest design. The population in this study was all pregnant women with gestational ages of 16–32 weeks and Hb levels less than 11 gr/dl. Purposive sampling was used to collect 50 samples from 50 people. The intervention provided was 100 grams of fresh okra fruit, which had been made into infused okra water, which was then drunk by the respondents after consuming ferrous sulphate tablets 60 mg per day. To analyse the relationship between BMI and anaemia status, the researchers used the chi-square test. Results: There was no relationship between increases in BMI and Hb levels in pregnant women in this study. Conclusions: An increase in body mass index (BMI) in pregnant women who were given infused okra water and ferrous sulphate tablets did not have a positive effect on haemoglobin levels. Based on BMI, it appears that pregnant women are not malnourished.

Transcriptome Analysis of the Preservation Effect of Three Essential Oil Microcapsules on Okra

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum sp.) essential oil microcapsules, oregano (Origanum sp.) essential oil microcapsules, and oregano–thyme (Thymus sp.) essential oil microcapsules are rarely used in the postharvest preservation treatment of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). The mechanism of these three essential oil microcapsules on the postharvest preservation of okra is also not yet well understood. In this study, fresh okra was preserved by three kinds of essential oil microcapsules (cinnamon essential oil microcapsules, oregano essential oil microcapsules, and oregano–thyme essential oil microcapsules). The effect of essential oil microcapsules on the postharvest storage quality of okra was discussed. We also used RNA-Seq to preliminarily explore the mechanism of oregano–thyme essential oil microcapsules on the pre-harvest storage quality of okra. The results showed that the three kinds of essential oil microcapsules could maintain the high sensory evaluation quality and firmness of okra, slow down the increase in respiratory intensity, slow down the total number of colonies on the fruit surface, and slow down weight loss. Through analysis, it was found that the effect of oregano–thyme essential oil microcapsules was remarkably better than that of cinnamon essential oil microcapsules and oregano essential oil microcapsules. The preservation mechanism of oregano–thyme essential oil microcapsules on postharvest okra was preliminarily elucidated by RNA-Seq. This study provides a certain basis for a follow-up study of essential oil microcapsules in the preservation of okra.

Impact of Processing and Preservation Methods and Storage on Total Phenolics, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Activities of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.).

Very few studies have thus far evaluated the impact of various processing and preservation techniques (blanching, frying, freezing, dehydration, and sun drying) on the levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of okra. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different processing and preservation methods on the levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of okra. The ethanolic extracts of each sample were analyzed before and after preservation and storage for a period of three months. The results showed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in total phenolic content (134.1 mg GAE/100g) and DPPH (1-1-diphenyl1-2-pricrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity (IC50 value of 3.0 mg/mL) in blanched okra when compared to fresh okra (86.35 mg GAE/100g and IC50 value of 3.8 mg/mL, respectively). Fresh okra exhibited the highest flavonoid content (105.75 mg QE/100g), while sun-dried okra samples stored for three months exhibited a decrease in total phenolic content (14.45 mg GAE/100g), total flavonoid contents (13.25 mg QE/100g), reducing power activity (23.30%), and DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 value of 134.8 mg/mL). The DPPH inhibition activities of all okra treatments showed a significant and positive correlation with the okra phenolic and flavonoid content (r = 0.702 and 0.67, respectively). The reducing power activity (%) of okra treatments exhibited a strong correlation (r) with phenolic contents (r = 0.966), and the correlation with flavonoid contents was 0.459. Generally, different processing and preservation methods of okra revealed that the impact on total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant activities, was slightly significant among samples preserved using the same method during storage. In addition, blanched and frozen okra resulted in the highest retention of phenolic contents and antioxidant activities.

Formulation of low glycaemic index biscuits suitable for diabetics from unripe banana, okra, and stevia leaves / jujube fruit

Biscuits are the largest category of consumed snacks among bakery products, but their simple sugar and fat high content associate to low fiber content make them unsuitable for diabetics. This study aimed to formulate biscuits with low glycaemic index from the blend of unripe banana, okra and stevia leaves or jujube fruit for diabetics. To achieve this goal, unripe banana, fresh okra, stevia leaves and jujube fruits were purchased from a main market in Ngaoundere and processed into flours. Proximate composition of the flours was determined, and then, Design Expert software was used to formulate two different blends, Banana/Okra/Stevia (BOS) and Banana/Okra/Jujube (BOJ). According to the results of preliminary sensory tests done in the laboratory, three biscuits with stevia (BOS1, BOS2, BOS3), three biscuits with jujube (BOJ1, BOJ2, BOJ3), and a witness biscuit with table sugar as sweetener were formulated. After the physicochemical characterisation of formulated biscuits, animal experimentation was carried out in order to evaluate the postprandial evolution of blood glucose in rats after having ingested the biscuits, and the Glycaemic Index (GI) of produced biscuits. A hedonic test with 30 consumers was done, parameters assessed including colour, texture, taste, flavour, and overall acceptability. The results obtained show that unripe banana is mostly made of complex carbohydrates, while okra and stevia are good sources of fibers, confirming their importance in diabetic’s diet. All the biscuits produced with stevia and jujube did not raise the blood glucose compared to the witness biscuit made with table sugar. Biscuits produced with stevia leaves had a lower GI than those produced with jujube fruit among the biscuits produced with stevia leaves, BOS2 had the lowest GI, then the lowest increase of postprandial blood glucose in rats, and was the most appreciated by the consumers in terms of appearance, flavour, taste and overall acceptability. Therefore, BOS2 could be recommended as snack for diabetics.Graphical

Quadratic almost ideal demand system analysis of demand for selected vegetables and fruits in nigeria

This study analyzed the demand for selected vegetables and fruits in Nigeria. It determined price effects on demand for fruits and vegetables, examined the demographic variables influencing demand and revealed the expenditure elasticity across income quartiles and sectors. Data from the three waves of Living Standard Measurement Survey-Integrated Survey on Agriculture namely 2010/11, 2012/13 and 2015/16, were employed in the analysis. The demand for bananas, citrus, pineapples, fresh okra, onions pepper and tomatoes was examined using the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System. Households in Nigeria consumed more vegetables than fruits. The results revealed that the staple vegetables in Nigerian diets are tomatoes, onions and pepper. It was observed that movement in relative prices elicited high quantity response. All the fruits and vegetables included in the model were normal goods. Vegetables and fruits responded similarly to expenditure increases in urban and rural Nigeria. The own-price elasticities, both uncompensated and compensated agree with the demand theory. More consideration should be given to the intensifying production of fruits and vegetables in technology development and investment to make them available and affordable.

XANTHAN GUM/CARRAGEENAN-BASED HYDROGEL PADS WITH OKRA FRUIT MUCILAGE POWDER FOR COSMECEUTICAL AND MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

The main component of mucilage found in the fruit of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is okra gum consisting of pectic polysaccharides reported to exhibit, inter alia, antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics. It was used in the pharmaceutical industry, e.g. as a stabilizer or a modifier drug release. In this work, various formulations of xanthan gum (XG)/κ-carrageenan (CN)-based hydrogel with okra mucilage (OM) powder were examined to achieve the goal of developing OM-hydrogel pads that make good use of the advantages of OM polysaccharides relevant to drug delivery and/or stability. A straightforward cosmeceutical application of the OM-hydrogels is as under-eye masks since the OM itself is reported to contain diffusible small compounds with proven skincare benefits. OM from blended fresh okra pods without seeds was precipitated with ethanol. Preliminary studies showed that hydrogel pads prepared with XG, CN, glycerol, and NaCl at 0.5, 0.5, 13, and 4 wt%, respectively, possess a suitable hardness while exhibit the highest adhesive strength among other formulations tested. When OM powder was added at 0.02, 0.05, 0.06, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 wt%, the OM-hydrogels’ hardnesses substantially drop. Increases in hardnesses and adhesive strengths with increasing amounts of OM powder were observed. The upward trend of adhesive strengths continues only up to 0.2 wt% where the adhesive strength begins to drop. In OM-hydrogels containing 0.2 wt% OM powder, normalized rates of moisture loss are the lowest while water contents and water holding capacities are the highest.

Investigation and prediction of the extensional viscosity of okra mucilage using the Giesekus model.

Okra is a vegetable that is widely grown around the world. Okra mucilage contains a high mucus concentration that can be useful for supporting the swallowing process. Although the extensional rheology of okra mucilage is essential to its flow, its extensional viscosity has not received much attention. Using a filament stretching rheometer, the extensional viscosity of the mucilage in okra was examined. The Giesekus model was used to predict this parameter. The okra mucilage with different concentrations was extracted from fresh okra. The extensional viscosity was measured using a filament breakup apparatus. The diameter of the liquid bridge was measured by a laser micrometer and it was also observed by a high-speed camera. A rotational rheometer was used to measure the shear viscosity. In addition, the master curves for the shear viscosity were plotted to eliminate the influence of solvent and shear rate and evaluate the influence of concentration on the elasticity of okra mucilage. The okra mucilage shear and extensional viscosity were predicted using the Giesekus model. Every sample of okra mucilage exhibited shear thinning behavior. In addition to having a high extensional viscosity that is hundreds of times higher than its shear viscosity, okra mucilage also exhibited stretching phenomena. The master curves demonstrated that the pseudoplasticity of the okra mucilage increased along with the concentration. The rheological behavior of the mucilage in okra can be explained by the Giesekus model. Okra mucilage's shear viscosity exhibited shear thinning behavior and a strong extensional viscosity that was significantly higher than its shear viscosity. The shear and extensional viscosity of okra mucilage can be described and predicted using the Giesekus model.

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON NUTRITIONAL AND ANTI NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF FRESH AND DRIED OKRA OBTAINED FROM GUSAU MARKET NIGERIA

Okra or commonly known in its Latin as abelmoschus esculentus are one of the green vegetables that is most consumed around the world and is utilized as medicine. Due to post-harvest losses, inadequate storage facilities lead to customers losing fresh okra. Therefore, farmers use traditional drying preservation methods by utilizing solar heat. The research objectives is to identify and evaluate the antinutrient, mineral, and proximate compositions of fresh and dried okra obtained from Gusau Market in Nigeria. Researchers analyzed and compared the samples using standard analytical methods and statistical packages from IBM SPSS version 21. The analysis revealed that the fresh and dried okra samples had the following amounts of water, ash, protein, fiber, carbs, lipids, and total energy: 75.30-8.56%; 1.85-8.05%; 16.44-77.25%; 4.30-2.03%; 0.18-3.15%; 1.93-0.96%; and 56.11-325.76%. While concentrations of mineral elements of fresh and dried okra are 98.22-97.80; 5.45-4.45; 9.75-9.35; 78.52-69.35; 21.36-19.26; and 30.52-29.60 in mg/100g respectively. The phytochemical screening shows the presence of Tannin, Oxalate, Phytate, Saponin, Phenolic, Flavonoid and Alkaloid. For sampling of fresh and dried okra, the amounts of flavonoid and alkaloid in mg/100g are 18.6-17.95 and 10.64-15.14, respectively. There is no significance different in proximate, mineral elements and anti nutritional content between fresh and dried okra samples. Therefore, the researchers can decide that the traditional way by utilizing solar heat is still being utilised by most of farmers. The appropriate method for farmers to prevent lossing okra when post-harvest is having conducive environment for them in order to avoid possible contamination.

A pectic polysaccharide from fresh okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) beneficially ameliorates CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice by antioxidation, inhibition of inflammation and modulation of gut microbiota.

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (Linn.) Moench], as a well-known medicinal and food plant, has important physiological activities and health benefits, and polysaccharide is its main bioactive component. In this study, a pectic polysaccharide (OPS-50) prepared from fresh okra pods by three-phase partitioning and gradient (NH4)2SO4 precipitation at a saturation of 50% was employed in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-caused acute liver damage in mice to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential. Results indicated that OPS-50 was mainly composed of a limited linear homogalacturonan backbone and abundant rhamnogalacturonan-I domains as side chains. OPS-50 exerted positively protective effects on acute liver damage induced by CCl4 in mice through relieving weight reduction and organ damage, ameliorating liver function and dyslipidemia, alleviating oxidative stress, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulating gut microbiota, and promoting short-chain fatty acid secretion. Moreover, liver histopathology demonstrated the protective benefit of OPS-50 on CCl4-caused acute liver damage in mice. Therefore, our data suggested that the pectic OPS-50, as a dietary supplement, have great potential in preventing and treating chemical liver damages.

SUSTAINABLE OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS L.) PRODUCTIVITY AS INFLUENCED BY FORTIFICATION OF GOAT MANURE WITH RICE HUSK ASH IN NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA ECOLOGY OF NIGERIA

To assess the agronomic effects of sustainable okra production as impacted by goat manure (GM) and rice husk ash (RHA) on a community-based demonstration farm in Gombe State, field trials were carried out during the wet seasons of 2017 and 2018. The trails consisted of four levels of GM and RHA, each measuring 0.0, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 t ha-1 which were used on Kwadon's local cultivar of okra in a Randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times. Findings revealed that days to 50% emergence and establishment count were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influenced by the application of GM and RHA, regardless of rates of application. Other growth-related indices were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher due to GM, such as plant height at 4, 5, and 6 WAS, number of leaves plant-1 at 4 WAS, and pod diameter. On the other hand, RHA significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased plant height, the number of leaves plant-1 at 5 and 6 WAS, leaf area, shortened days to 50% flowering, and the number of pods plant-1 across the sampling periods and seasons. Similar to this, due to adequate mineralization of organic material through time and space, fresh okra's marketable weight increased in the 2018 season compared to the previous year. Thus, the application of 10.0 t ha-1 of both GM and RHA can be adopted in the production of okra in the study area to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the use of inorganic agrochemical inputs.

Estimation of productivity yield gap contributions of climate change variability in selected horticultural crops (fresh maize and okra) in Anambra State, Nigeria

Most horticultural crops are susceptible to climate extremes that affect vegetative growth and yield. Climate variability poses a great threat to food security and the sustainability of the agricultural sector in Nigeria. However, the study estimated the productivity yield gap contributions of climate variability among maize and okra farmers. Data was collected from a cross-section of 160 farmers. Statistical tools such as descriptive statistics, second-order quadratic and linear regression models and Chi-square were utilized to operationalize the study objectives. The study established that high temperature was the highest climate variability (okra - 80.0%, and maize - 78.7%); whereas fug was lowest with 38.3% (okra) and 30.4% (maize). Again, flood contributed to the highest (27.5% - okra, and 36.5% - maize) yield gap. All the climate variability cumulatively explained 6.49 ton/ha (maize) and 3.47 ton/ha (okra) yield gap. However, the farmers are producing 2.26 ton/ha (maize) and 1.70 ton/ha (okra) below their optimal level. For better management, the study revealed that sex, age, education, household size, and cooperative membership are responsible for okra farmers; while age, marital status, and farming experience are responsible for maize farmers’ managerial ability. The study, therefore, concludes that climate variability significantly reduced horticultural crop yield. Howbeit, the study recommends that farmers should be taught to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices.

Effect of Some Processing and Storage Methods on the Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Three experiments, comprisin packaging of fresh Okra for storage, dipping of fresh fruits in hot water before packaging to store and drying of sliced Okra fruits, were carried out in the laboratory at the Department of Horticulture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of some processing and storage methods on the quality of okra. The experimental design used for the storage work was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). There were 10 treatments for the experiment. A portion of plot measuring 14m x 40.5m was demarcated for planting and drying was done by using a solar cabinet dryer located at the old site of Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, located on the compound of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Results from the first experiment which involved packing and storing of fresh okra fruits indicated that, Fresh okra fruit packed in both polypropylene and polyethylene bags and store at 7- 9 C can stay up to 24 days with no significant (p ≤ 0.05) weight lost. However produce packed in perforated polypropylene and polyethylene bags gave a higher salvage of 82.1% compared to 77% from those packed in the imperforated bags of the two packaging materials. The second experiment which involved hot water treatment of okra fruit before packaging for storage indicated a very fast rate of deterioration of fruits, with no fruit being salvaged at the end of the storage period. The third experiment involving slicing and drying of okra fruits in a solar cabinet dryer indicated that samples from both stages of maturity dried for 24hours lost comparatively less weight than those dried for 48hours. This shows that the longer the drying period, the more the lost in weight. From the three experiments it was concluded that packaging and storage of fresh okra fruit enables the fruit to keep longer and remained in the useable state than unpacked storage. Harvesting fruit at 4 and 6days, after setting for storage is appropriate, however those harvested at 6days after setting will come out with greater number of unusable fruit after the storage period. On the choice of packaging material one should prefer polypropylene to polyethylene for bitter results. Also perforation of the chosen material had advantages over the imperforated ones. Hot water treatment of okra fruits can be applied under situations where the fruits may be used within 16 days or less but not longer.

Efficacy and Mechanism of Thymol/KGM/LG Edible Coating Solution on Inhibition of Mucor circinelloides Isolated From Okra.

With the increasing demand and quality requirement for the natural nutritious food in modern society, okra has attracted much attention because of its high nutritional value and remarkable functionality. However, the occurrence of postharvest diseases of fresh okra severely limited the application and the value of okra. Therefore, in this study, the dominant pathogens causing postharvest diseases such as soft rot were isolated from naturally decaying okra. It was identified as Mucor circinelloides by its morphological characteristics and standard internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA sequence. Furthermore, the biological characteristics of M. circinelloides were studied, and the inhibitory effect of thymol/KGM/LG (TKL) edible coating solution on M. circinelloides and its possible mechanism was discussed. In addition, TKL edible coating solution had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on M. circinelloides, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (EC50) of 113.55 mg/L. The TKL edible coating solution at 960 mg/L of thymol completely inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination of M. circinelloides. The results showed that the best carbon source of M. circinelloides was maltose, the best nitrogen source was beef extract and potassium nitrate, the best pH was 6, the best temperature was 28°C, the best NaCl concentration was 0.5%, and the light was conducive to the growth of M. circinelloides. It was also observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) that TKL was more likely to destroy the cell wall integrity of M. circinelloides, inhibit spore morphology and change mycelium structure. Meanwhile, the activity of chitinase (CHI), an enzyme related to cell wall synthesis of M. circinelloides, was significantly decreased after being treated by TKL with thymol at 100 mg/L (TKL100). The content of Malondialdehyde (MDA) in M. circinelloides decreased significantly from 12 h to 48 h, which may cause oxidative damage to the cell membrane. The activity polygalacturonase (PG), pectin methylgalacturonase (PMG), and cellulase (Cx) of M. circinelloides decreased significantly. Therefore, the results showed that TKL had a good bacteriostatic effect on okra soft rot pathogen, and the main bacteriostatic mechanism might be the damage of cell membrane, degradation of the cell wall, inhibition of metabolic activities, and reduction of metabolites, which is helpful to further understand the inhibitory effect of TKL on okra soft rot pathogen and its mechanism.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Pod Gel as a Low-Cost Alternative to Commercial Acoustic Gel

Ultrasound is an essential diagnostic tool in medicine. However, a commercial acoustic gel is cost-prohibitive, especially in low-resource settings. In this study, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) pod gel was evaluated as a low-cost alternative to commercial acoustic gel by comparing the sonographic image quality, organoleptic characteristics, spreadability, pH, viscosity, and ease of use of commercial gel and formulated okra pod gel (OPG). Fresh okra pods were harvested from a local plant nursery. OPG was prepared by mixing okra pods with water and cooking the mixture on medium heat. OPG and commercial gel were physically evaluated and randomly swabbed to different surfaces of a human tissue-mimicking phantom to obtain sonographic images. Five experienced sonologists rated the sonographic images based on image quality parameters. OPG had optimal appearance, texture, homogeneity, and pH value. OPG had higher spreadability but lower viscosity compared to commercial acoustic gel. No significant difference was reported in the image quality parameters between the gels used. Acceptability of OPG in terms of ease of use was the same as that of commercial gel. However, the sonologists reported that compared to commercial gel, OPG did not evaporate easily during the sonographic procedure. Based on the evaluation, OPG is feasible as a low-cost alternative to commercial acoustic gel. Further clinical trials employing actual patients are recommended to increase the validity of the study results.