Lady's Finger Research Articles

Produção de farinha de banana verde (Musa spp.) para aplicação em pão de trigo integral

Resumo A farinha de banana verde (FBV) é uma alternativa viável para o aproveitamento dos frutos e possui alto teor de amido resistente (AR), que apresenta papel fisiológico similar ao das fibras alimentares. O objetivo deste trabalho foi produzir FBV de dois genótipos de bananeira (Prata e Caturra), além de selecionar aquele com maior teor de AR, para posterior substituição de parte da farinha de trigo integral por FBV, em uma formulação de pão de fôrma integral. Para a produção das farinhas, os frutos foram descascados, cortados em rodelas e estas foram submersas em uma solução de ácido ascórbico e ácido cítrico, sendo então distribuídas em bandejas e secas a 50 °C, por 7 horas, e moídas. As farinhas foram submetidas às análises de composição proximal e determinação do teor de AR. Posteriormente, foram processados pães integrais com a substituição de 10%, 15% e 20% de farinha de trigo integral pela FBV que obteve o maior teor de AR. Os pães controle e aquele que apresentou maior teor de AR e boas características tecnológicas, como volume específico, dureza e cor, foram submetidos aos testes sensoriais de aceitação e intenção de compra. O teor de AR encontrado para as FBV Prata e Caturra foram 24,1% e 13,7%, respectivamente. O pão com substituição de 15% de farinha de trigo integral por FBV foi escolhido para a análise sensorial. As formulações controle e com 15% de FBV atingiram Índices de Aceitação Sensorial de 88,7% e 82,1%, respectivamente. A atitude dos avaliadores foi positiva, segundo a qual 56% dos avaliadores “comprariam frequentemente” ou “comprariam sempre” o pão com 15% de FBV, não tendo sido observada rejeição para nenhuma das formulações.

Enhancement in the productivity of ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) with concomitant pest control by the vermicompost of the weed salvinia (Salvinia molesta, Mitchell)

PurposeIn a novel attempt, vermicompost derived from an intransigent and noxious weed salvinia was assessed for its fertilizer value and pest repellent properties.MethodsIn outdoor experiments which simulated the way vegetables are cultivated by farmers, ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds were germinated and grown in soil supplemented with salvinia vermicompost at four levels: 0 (V0), 2.5 (V1), 3.75 (V2) and 5 (V3) t/ha. Besides assessing germination success and subsequent growth, yield, and biochemical content of the plants, the impact of pest attacks on them was also studied.ResultsSalvinia vermicompost significantly enhanced germination success, growth, and yield of the plants. Maximum growth in terms of shoot length (96.2 cm), root length (48.2 cm), shoot and root dry weight (23.31, 7.96 g), stem diameter (14.04 mm), and number of leaves and branches (26.8, 4.8) was recorded in V4 (5t/ha). Likewise, the mineral and biochemical content in vermicompost-treated plants was significantly higher than in the controls. The vermicompost also induced resistance in plants against pests and disease. Compared to the controls, vermicompost had reduced the fruit borer infection by 65, 78 and 82% in V1, V2 and V3, respectively.ConclusionThe toxicity of salvinia is largely eliminated when it is vermicomposted, and the product acquires the qualities of a good organic fertilizer. The present work can potentially lead to the development of an inexpensive, sustainable and eco-friendly method of utilizing billions of tons of phytomass that is generated annually by salvinia, and which presently goes to waste.

GREY WATER FARMING OF LADIES FINGER AND CLUSTER BEANS-INDUCES DIETARY TOXICITY?

Objective: A large number of farmers are growing different vegetables and supplying them to the Solapur market. The majority of these farms are located on the banks of the “nullah”, whose water is used for irrigation. From, a farm field in Degaon, a village on the Solapur–Mangalvedha road and on the bank of ‘nullah’ two fruit vegetables viz., Ladies Finger (Bhendi) and Cluster Beans (Gawar) are evaluated in the study. The purpose of this study was to analyse the presence of selected toxic non-essential heavy metals i.e. Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb) and Mercury (Hg) in the two vegetables.Methods: Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used for determining the concentration of heavy metals. Optimised wet acid digestion procedure was employed to solubilize the metals from the vegetable samples.Results: The following concentrations (mg/kg) of the non-essential heavy metals were found in the edible parts of the Ladies Finger and Cluster Beans, respectively: Ladies Finger: As (16.07), Hg (16.77), Pb (1.148), Cr (17.14), Cd (0.704 mg/kg) and Cluster Beans: As (18.76), Hg (21.86), Pb (1.675), Cr (17.14), Cd (0.888 mg/kg). The study revealed the presence of all the chosen NEHMs in the vegetables. Cadmium levels in both Cluster Beans and Ladies Finger were below the maximum acceptable limit and hence fit for human consumption as per FSSAI standards As (1.1), Pb (1.0), Cd (1.5), Hg (1.0 ppm). Though unsafe as per WHO/FAO standards As (0.1), Pb (0.5), Cd (0.2), Cr (1.2), Hg (0.05 ppm).Conclusion: The other three NEHMs levels were approximately 15 times more than the permitted levels and hence might pose danger on human consumption.

Detoxification of parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) and its metamorphosis into an organic fertilizer and biopesticide

BackgroundVermicompost of the toxic and allelopathic weed parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) was explored for its possible use as an organic fertilizer. Replicated plant growth trials were conducted using four levels of parthenium vermicompost (0, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 t/ha) to assess their effects on the germination, growth, and fruition of a typical food plant ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus). Additionally the role of vermicompost in reducing plant pests and disease was evaluated.ResultsVermicompost encouraged the germination and growth of ladies finger at all levels of vermicompost application, with best results obtained in 5 t/ha treatments. The positive impact extended up to the fruit yield. Vermicompost application also improved the quality of fruits in terms of mineral, protein, and carbohydrate contents, and reduced the disease incidence and pest attacks.ConclusionsThe studies establish the fact that parthenium acquires all the qualities of a good organic fertilizer with concomitant loss of its toxic and allelopathic properties after it gets vermicomposted. The findings raise the prospects of economical and eco-friendly utilization of billions of tons of parthenium biomass which is generated annually but goes to waste at present.

Green and efficient biosorptive removal of methylene blue by Abelmoschus esculentus seed: Process optimization and multi-variate modeling

The present work explores, for the first time, the adsorptive removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution using different parts of abundantly available agricultural product, Abelmoschus esculentus (lady's finger), and the processed seed powder (designated as LFSP) was found as the best. The aforesaid biosorbent was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and pHZPC analyses. The biosorption performance was evaluated using batch studies at 303 K, at varying operating conditions such as solution pH, biosorbent dosage, initial dye concentration and contact time. The pseudo-second order kinetic model was followed during the adsorption, and it was also found that intra-particle diffusion played a prominent role in the rate-controlling step. Langmuir and Temkin isotherms were followed the best, as was evident from the lower % non-linear error values and higher degree of determination coefficients. Thermodynamic investigations revealed that the biosorption processes were spontaneous and endothermic. Using the response surface methodology (RSM), a central composite design was developed, and subsequently applied as an input for the artificial neural network (ANN) approach in order to further analyze the interactive term effects between the significant process parameters, on the maximum biosorption capacity for MB dye removal by LFSP. The non-linear error functions and linear regression coefficients on the RSM model showed its dominance behaviour over ANN model for both data fitting and estimation capabilities. Using the statistical optimization, the maximum uptake capacity was found to be 205.656 mg/g. Experiments were conducted to regenerate the adsorbent and to recover the adsorbed dye using the eluent 0.5 M HCl. Cost analysis showed that, LFSP was 7 times cheaper than commercially available activated carbons.

DETERMINATION OF THE MACRO AND MICRONUTRIENTS OF PEPER CAPSICUM SSP CULTIVATED IN RORAIMA

The objective of this article was to determine the macro and micronutrients in four species peppers cultivated in Roraima: Capsicum chinense Jacq. (Fish-eye peppers true and false, Spur cock, Murici, Eye mutum, Murupi, smelling pepper, Roxinha, Chilli, Sapucaia, and others), Capsicum frutescens (pepper malagueta), Capsicum annuum (bell peppers) e Capsicum baccatum v. pendulem Wild (Lady's finger and basking Hat), they were collected in two fairs of Boa Vista and the Lower Rio Branco region, county of Caracaraí. Peppers are widely consumed in the state, however, there are no studies on the mineral composition. Were determined P (phosphorus) and B (boron) Spectrometry Ultraviolet Visible, the Ca (Calcium), K (potassium), Mg (magnesium), Fe (iron), Mn (manganese), Cu (copper) and Zn (zinc) by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and N (nitrogen) Kjeldahl. In two peppers of the same species (C. chinense) were found high concentrations of Mn (pepper Murici) and Mg (pepper Roxinha) when compared to the other analyzed peppers.

Weed management influence on weed dynamics and yield of summer lady's finger

Weed management influence on weed dynamics and yield of summer lady's finger

Morphological and molecular characteriza tion of okra germplasm

Okra (Abelmoschus esculantus L) is commonly known as bhindi or lady's finger belonging to malvaceae. It is an important fruit vegetable crop cultivated in various states of India. In this experiment character analysis on morphological and molecular basis association among the various yield and yield contributing characters. The number of fruits per plants recorded from 15(770) to 8(S-135) during the experimet. All genotypes were screened with RAPD primers in order to determine genetic diversity and genetic relationships. The number of products amplified by the polymorphic primers varied from 1 bands to 4 bands with primer OPM-16 and primer OPX-14. 10 polymorphic primes generate a total of 23 amplification fragments with an average of 2.3 fragment per primers. Genetic similarity value ranging from 0.507–0.907 with a mean of 0.70.

Journal of Chemistry, Environmental Sciences and its Applications

Wastewater is an effective source for irrigation of crop. Sewage generated from a hostel of Thapar University campus, Patiala was used for growing Kharif crops (Lady Finger & Pearl millet) and Rabi crops (Wheat, Fenugreek, Mustard & Cluster bean) for 35 days in plastic cups at laboratory scale. When sewage was applied at 50%, 100% individually, the dilution of 50% supported better growth of crops. Both sewage and soil used showed absence of metal constituents and hence non-possibility of their accumulation in the grown crops. Germination period of crop was observed and it was found different from crop to crop, four days in Lady finger as against eight days in Fenugreek. The biomass was higher in Kharif crops than was in Rabi crops. Composition of soil was estimated and it was found that the nutrients (organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) had enriched the treated soil besides aiding the growth of crop. The study was found promising suggesting that the sewage could be used as an irrigating medium for crops. However, several growth parameters are to be optimized before sewage is tried for application at commercial scale.

Application of Microbial Community for Enhancing Nutritional and Appealing Fermented Juice

Varieties of long known traditional fermented beverages are developed since their unique delicious and aroma. Additional nutrition value added in fermented drinks revealing their health benefits are especially interesting for the consumers nowadays. In the fermentation process isolated indigenous microbes habituated on the fruit surface as well as inoculated commercial species or niches have been shown for their success in Saccharification process. In this study, the researchers have applied our identified microbial mixtures isolated to be anticipating community starter in sugar production process. In addition, they were aimed to do enhancing nutritional value to the fermented juice. The selective cultures were obtained from fermented banana juice including yeasts Saccharomyces spp. and bacteria Lactobacillus sp., and Bacillus sp., yielding high protein contents, sweet aroma, and organic acids. Moreover, it was observed that weak acidity with pH 3-4 together with high reducing sugar and nutritious protein contents could be detected if particularly prior activated microbes were incubated for at least 10-15 days in fragrant bananas juice and two banana varieties; Naamwa banana (Musa sapientum L.) and lady finger banana. The modified wine fermentation approach of microbe mixtures can considerably use to improve the unique characteristics of wine that are nutritive protein supplementation as well as juice fermentation savour.

Vermicomposting transforms allelopathic parthenium into a benign organic fertilizer

Vermicompost, which had been derived solely by the action of the epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida on parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus), was tested for its impact on the germination and early growth of green gram (Vigna radiata), ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Seedlings were germinated and grown in soil amended with 0 (control), 0.75, 1.5, 2, 4, 8, 20 and 40% (by weight) parthenium vermicompost. Even though parthenium is known to possess strong negative allelopathy, as also plant/animal toxicity in other forms, its vermicompost (VC) manifested none of these attributes. Rather the VC enhanced germination success, introduced plant-friendly physical features in the container media, increased biomass carbon, and was seen to promote early growth as reflected in several morphological and biochemical characteristics in plants which had received parthenium VC in comparison to those which had not. All these effects were statistically significant. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometry revealed that the phenols and the sesquiterpene lactones that are responsible for the negative allelopathic impact of parthenium were largely destroyed in the course of vermicomposting. FTIR spectra also indicated that lignin content of parthenium was reduced during its vermicomposting. The findings open up the possibility that several other invasives known for their negative allelopathy and toxicity may also produce vermicompost which may be plant-friendly and soil-friendly. It also makes it appear possible that the huge quantities of phytomass that is generated annually by parthenium can be gainfully utilized in producing organic fertilizer via vermicomposting, thereby providing a means of exercising some control over parthenium's rampant growth and invasion.

Molecular and agronomic analysis of intraspecific variability in Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum accessions.

Capsicum baccatum is one of the most important chili peppers in South America, since this region is considered to be the center of origin and diversity of this species. In Brazil, C. baccatum has been widely explored by family farmers and there are different local names for each fruit phenotype, such as cambuci and dedo-de-moça (lady's finger). Although very popular among farmers and consumers, C. baccatum has been less extensively studied than other Capsicum species. This study describes the phenotypic and genotypic variability in C. baccatum var. pendulum accessions. Twenty-nine accessions from the Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro gene bank, and one commercial genotype ('BRS-Mari') were evaluated for 53 morphoagronomic descriptors (31 qualitative and 22 quantitative traits). In addition, accessions were genotyped using 30 microsatellite primers. Three accessions from the C. annuum complex were included in the molecular characterization. Nine of 31 qualitative descriptors were monomorphic, while all quantitative descriptors were highly significant different between accessions (P < 0.01). Using the unweighted pair group method using arithmetic averages, four groups were obtained based on multicategoric variables and five groups were obtained based on quantitative variables. In the genotyping analysis, 12 polymorphic simple sequence repeat primers amplified in C. baccatum with dissimilarity between accessions ranging from 0.13 to 0.91, permitting the formation of two distinct groups for Bayesian analysis. These results indicate wide variability among the accessions comparing phenotypic and genotypic data and revealed distinct patterns of dissimilarity between matrices, indicating that both steps are valuable for the characterization of C. baccatum var. pendulum accessions.

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins are the active compounds in Abelmoschus esculentus Moench for its α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activity

We found that Abelmoschus esculentus Moench (okra, or lady's finger) exhibits significant α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Assay-guided fractionation of the okra extracts resulted in identification of oligomeric proanthocyanidins in unripe okra seeds as the compounds responsible to the activity. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis using a diol column revealed oligomers are a dominant composition with higher degree (>20) of polymerisation appearing as one large peak in the chromatogram. Thiolysis treatment of the proanthocyanidins using methyl thioglycolate produced thioether derivatives of (epi)gallocatechins and (epi)catechins as major products. Based on the ratio of terminal and extension units, the mean degree of polymerisation was estimated to be 21.97. B-type gallocatechin oligomers up to pentadecamer could be detected using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectra.

Potential of soil amendments (Biochar and Gypsum) in increasing water use efficiency of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench.

Water being an essential component for plant growth and development, its scarcity poses serious threat to crops around the world. Climate changes and global warming are increasing the temperature of earth hence becoming an ultimate cause of water scarcity. It is need of the day to use potential soil amendments that could increase the plants’ resistance under such situations. Biochar and gypsum were used in the present study to improve the water use efficiency (WUE) and growth of Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench (Lady’s Finger). A 6 weeks experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions. Stress treatments were applied after 30 days of sowing. Plant height, leaf area, photosynthesis, transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance and WUE were determined weekly under stressed [60% field capacity (F.C.)] and non-stressed (100% F.C.) conditions. Stomatal conductance and Tr decreased and reached near to zero in stressed plants. Stressed plants also showed resistance to water stress upto 5 weeks and gradually perished at sixth week. On the other hand, WUE improved in stressed plants containing biochar and gypsum as compared to untreated plants. Biochar alone is a better strategy to promote plant growth and WUE specifically of A. esculentus, compared to its application in combination with gypsum.

Zinc delivery to plants through seed coating with nano-zinc oxide particles

ABSTRACTIn India, zinc (Zn) has been recognized as the fourth most important yield-limiting nutrient after nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Supplementing the zinc (Zn) requirement of agricultural crops through water soluble zinc sulfate ZnSO4 fertilizer is a costly management option whereas, utilization of ZnO (water insoluble and a cheaper material) as a source of Zn could be an alternative cost effective option to encourage farmers for wider adoption. In this present investigation, in order to supply the requisite amount of Zn to the plants, a protocol has been developed to coat the seeds of maize (Zea mays L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), pigeon pea (Cajanas cajan L.) and ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) with microns scale (<3 µm) and nano-scale (<100 nm) ZnO powder at 25 mg Zn/g seed and at 50 mg Zn/g seed. Different Zn sources, ethyl alcohol, and crude pine oleoresin (POR) were used for coating of seeds. The germination test carried out with coated and uncoated seeds indicated better germination percentage (93–100%) due to ZnO coating as compared to uncoated seeds (80%). Pot culture experiment conducted with coated seeds also revealed that the crop growth with ZnO coated seeds were similar to that observed with soluble Zn treatment applied as zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2O) (at 2.5 ppm Zn) which is evident from the periodic SPAD reading taken after 20, 25, 30 and 45 days after sowing. Application of Zn through different sources also enhanced the auxin indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production in plant roots, which subsequently improved the overall growth. The most important advantage of seed coating with ZnO (both micron/nano-scale) is that it did not exert any osmotic potential at the time of germination of the seed, thus, the total requirement of Zn of the crop can be loaded with the seed effectively through nano-scale ZnO particle.

First Report of Grey Mould Disease on Abelmoschus esculentus Caused by Botrytis cinerea in China

AbstractOkra (Abelmoschus esculentus), or Lady's finger, is a plant originating from Africa and is grown as a multipurpose crop in Asia, America and Europe nowadays. Grey mould disease was observed on okras in several okra fields in Ledong County, Hainan Province, and Shunyi District, Beijing City, during September to December in 2014 with the incidence varying from 20 to 55%. To identify the pathogen, the detailed morphological, cultural characteristics, pathogenicity test along with the DNA sequences for four gene regions ITS, G3PDH, HSP60 and RPB2 of our isolate were compared with those of some previously reported Botrytis cinerea and other similar species of the genus Botrytis. Results suggested this is the first report of grey mould disease on Abelmoschus esculentus caused by Botrytis cinerea in China.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Lactobacillus Spp. on Selected Food Spoilage Bacteria.

This study was done to isolate Lactobacillus species from curd, amla/Indian gooseberry and orange and to assess their antagonistic ability against selected food spoilage bacteria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. isolated from natural food sources. In the approaches used, native Lactobacillus spp. were isolated from amla, orange and curd and identified by standard microbiological methods. Their antagonistic affect was tested by disc diffusion tests against three selected test isolates, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Bacillus spp. isolated from tomato, pumpkin, cauliflower, lady's finger, carrot, and milk. There are recent patents also suggesting use of novel strains of Lactobacillus for microbial antagonism. In our present work, the lactobacilli isolated from different food sources showed varied ability to inhibit the growth of test isolates. The growth of test isolates was inhibited by Lactobacillus isolates with one of the Lactobacillus isolate from amla being the most potent inhibitor.

Vermicomposting eliminates the toxicity of Lantana (Lantana camara) and turns it into a plant friendly organic fertilizer

In evidently the first study of its kind, vermicompost derived solely from a weed known to possess plant and animal toxicity was used to assess its impact on the germination and early growth of several plant species. No pre-composting or supplementation of animal manure was done to generate the vermicompost in order to ensure that the impact is clearly attributable to the weed. Whereas the weed used in this study, Lantana (Lantana camara), is known to possess strong negative allelopathy, besides plant/animal toxicity in other forms, its vermicompost was seen to be a good organic fertilizer as it increased germination success and encouraged growth of all the three botanical species explored by the authors – green gram (Vigna radiata), ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). In terms of several physical, chemical and biochemical attributes that were studied, the vermicompost appeared plant-friendly, giving best results in general when employed at concentrations of 1.5% in soil (w/w). Fourier transform infrared spectrometry revealed that the phenols and the sesquiterpene lactones that are responsible for the allelopathic impact of Lantana were largely destroyed in the course of vermicomposting. There is also an indication that lignin content of Lantana was reduced during its vermicomposting. The findings open up the possibility that the billions of tons of phytomass that is generated annually by Lantana and other invasives can be gainfully utilized in generating organic fertilizer via vermicomposting.

English

Drechslera bicolor (Mitra.) Subram. and Jain, cause of leaf blight in bell pepper [Capsicum annuum var. grossum (L.) Sendt.], leads to necrotic lesions, early leaf senescence and yield losses. Detailed physiological analysis can contribute to an improved understanding of bell pepper disease interaction and cultivar improvement. D. bicolor produced maximum toxin in Richards’ medium and toxin was found most active at 25±2°C, pH 6.0 and 100% relative humidity. Different hosts were screened for disease resistance and it was observed that the partial purified toxin showed some degree of host specificity. Fungal toxin was able to produce symptoms in all the tested hosts with the main infected host being bell pepper. Prominent symptoms of chlorosis and wilting were observed on chilli followed by tomato, brinjal and lady finger. The detached leaf dip method followed by carborundum abrasion method was found to be the best inoculation methods in the production of wilting and chlorosis in bell pepper. These results indicated that the maintenance of physiological function during leaf blight infection could result in improved bell pepper yields under diseased conditions. Key words: Capsicum annuum var. grossum, leaf blight, physiology, phytotoxin, bioassay.

Influence of Different Nitrogen Sources on the Growth and Yield of Three Varieties of Okra (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Abelmoschus esculentus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) in Kabba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Experiments were carried out at the Research Site of Horticultural Section, Kabba College of Agriculture to investigate the influence of different nitrogen sources on the growth and yield of three varieties of okra. The experiment was laid out in split block design with varieties as main plots (Lady Finger “LF”, LD88 and Okele (local cultivar)) and different nitrogen sources as sub plots (Urea (108.7 kgN/ha), poultry manure (PM) (3.01 t/ha = 108.7 kgN/ha) and cow dung (CWD) (3.83 t/ha = 108.7 kgN/ha). The treatment combinations were as follows LD88 + Urea, LD88 + PM, LD88 + CWD, LF + Urea, LF + PM and LF + CWD, Okele + Urea (108.7 kg/ha), Okele + PM and Okele + CWD. Growth parameters determined were plant height (cm), leafarea (cm2), number of leaves produced, stem girth (cm), internode length (cm) and days to 50% flowering and podding. Flower characters taken were number of flowers produced per plant, number of flowers aborted per plant, and number of pods produced per plant. Yield characters determined were individual pod weight (g), pod length (cm), pod diameter (cm) and pod yield (t/ha). The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means compared using the least significant difference (LSD) at a probability level of 5%. Urea application and poultry manure had significantly different effects compared with cow dung treated plots for the parameters of growth and yield. Highest mean value was observed with urea application. This was followed by poultry manure application. The cultivar Lady’s finger performed better according to the data for number of pods and fresh pod weight. This was followed by the LD88 cultivars. Okra grew taller and had bigger stem girth, greater number of leaves, larger leaf area and higher number of pods and fresh pod weight with urea application. Cultivar Lady’s finger performed better than the other cultivars in most measured parameters. It is therefore recommended that lady finger should be grown by farmers in the study area with their soil amended with urea fertilizer in the study area.