Okra Fruit Research Articles

Some studies on Abelmoschus esculentus (Indian Okra) fiber characteristics

AbstractOkra fiber is the bast fiber, extracted from the stem of the Abelmoschus esculentus plant which belongs to the Malvaceae family. In the whole world, India is the largest producer of okra for the cultivation of “okra fruit”, which is one of the main vegetables in the Indian Diet. After collecting vegetables, a huge amount of okra plant stem is discarded on the field annually as agricultural waste. Okra stem is an abundant source of okra fiber which can be used for various textile applications. This study aims understand the basic morphological, thermal and structural characteristics of okra fibre and compare it with other bast fibres generally used for textile application to prove the suitability of okra fibre for textile application.

Influence of drip irrigation, crop geometry and mulching on morphological and nutritional traits of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

The experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan to study the effect of crop geometry, mulching and different irrigation levels on the morphological and nutritional traits of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design (SPD) comprised of 4 irrigation levels in the main plot (40%, 60%, 80% and 100% pan evaporation) and 2 different crop geometry (paired row sowing and normal sowing) and 3 types of mulches (no mulch, plastic mulch and straw mulch) were employed in the subplots and sub-subplots, respectively. Results indicated that 100% potential evapotranspiration (PE), drip irrigation (DI) and paired row sowing at 30 cm × 70 cm significantly increased the number of branches/plant, plant height (cm), length of fruit (cm), diameter of fruit (cm) and chlorophyll content of leaves compared to lower irrigation levels and normal sowing. Additionally, straw mulch positively influenced the above-mentioned parameters in the okra fruits as compared to without mulch. Drip irrigation, paired row sowing, and straw mulching also resulted in a significant increase in net returns per hectare. The study demonstrated that combining paired row sowing with straw mulch and irrigating at 100% potential evapotranspiration (PE) yielded the best growth attributes, highest fruit quality, and maximum net returns for okra.

Persistence and Dissipation Kinetics of λ-Cyhalothrin in Okra Fruits and Soil

Understanding pesticide residue levels in food items and soil is crucial for ensuring food safety. In this context, a study on persistence and dissipation kinetics of λ-cyhalothrin residues in okra fruits and soil was conducted for two consecutive years. λ-cyhalothrin was applied in okra at the recommended dose (15 g a.i. ha-¹) and double dose (30 g a.i. ha-¹). Okra fruit and soil samples were collected at different intervals after second spray and the residues were estimated using GC-MS/MS. The initial residue level in okra fruits was higher at double dose and declined gradually falling below the limit of quantification (0.01 mg kg-¹) within 7 to 10 days of application. Dissipation followed first-order kinetics, with half-life of 2.17 to 2.43 days. In soil, the initial residues dropped below the limit of quantification within 3 to 5 days of application. Since the initial residue levels in both okra fruits and soil were below the corresponding EU–MRL (0.2 mg kg-1), λ-cyhalothrin can be safely used in okra cultivation.

Characterization and evaluation of okra gum as a tablet binder

The type and amount of binders decisively influence the characteristics of tablets prepared by wet granulation procedure. Commonly used binders like acacia, gelatin, starch and hydrolyzed starch have natural origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new binder extracted from Hibiscus esculentus (Okra gum) in tableting. Okra gum was extracted from the pods of Okra fruit by maceration in distilled water followed by filtration of viscous solution as well as precipitation of gum extract by using acetone. To evaluate the binder effectiveness, two models, including a placebo formulation (lactose) and a drug formulation (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and/or Calcium acetate) were evaluated. Granules were prepared by different concentrations (0.5-6 %w/w) of Okra gum and tableted using a Kilian single punch press. Cornstarch (12.5 % w/w) and P.V.P (22 %w/w) were employed as the standard binders for comparison. The physical properties of the granulates and those of the tablets including disintegration time and dissolution rate were studied. The properties of granulates (bulk and tapped density, granule strength, flowability) as well as those of tablets (hardness, friability, disintegration time) were generally good. Moreover, the physical properties of Ibuprofen and Calcium acetate tablets containing Okra gum showed sufficient hardness, desirable disintegration time and low friability. The percent of drug released after 45 minutes were 15 %, 44 % and 96 % for Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen and Calcium acetate tablets, respectively. Okra gum produces some tablet formulations with good hardness and friability. However, this binder prolongs the dissolution rate of some slightly soluble drugs and hence may be good candidate for sustained release formulations. (Symecko C., Rhodes C, et.al.,1995)

Effect of Humic Acid Application Methods on Nutrients Availability and Growth and Yield of Okra(ABELMOSCHUS ESCULLANTUS L.)

A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah during the growing season of 2021- 2022 to study the effect of adding humic acids either to soil or spraying on plant along with recommended chemical fertilizers(NPK) on availability of N, P, and K and EC and pH of soil as well as growth and yield of okra. The results showed an increase in the availability of N,P and K by adding humic acid to the soil while spraying of humic acid had no clear differences with chemical fertilizers treatments. Addition of humic acid to soil decreased EC while addition as foliar application increase EC of soil. Addition of humic acid along with chemical fertilizers to soil or spraying on plant led to an increase in concentrations of N, P, and K in the leaves and their uptake with superiority of spraying treatment over soil application treatments. Increasing humic acid level spraying on plant from 0.5 to 1.0gL-1 significantly decreased N,P and K concentrations and uptakes. Similar findings were obtained for dry matter and fruits yield. The lower the level of humic acid ,The higher the dry matter and yield. The highest value of okra fruit yield 2791.06 kgha-1 was obtained with treatment involved spraying of 0.5gL-1 humic acid plus full recommended chemical fertilizers.

Evaluation of Physical Attributes and Efficacy of Lip Balm Formulated with Okra Fruit Extract (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

The okra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is renowned for its significant antioxidant properties, attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds. Despite its high antioxidant activity, which has been extensively documented, its potential as a component in cosmetic formulations particularly lip balm preparation remains underutilized. This study seeks to address this gap by incorporating okra fruit extract into lip balm formulations and evaluating the resultant physical and functional attributes. Lip balm formulations were developed with three varying concentrations of okra fruit extract: F1 (1%), F2 (3%), and F3 (5%). A series of comprehensive evaluations were conducted to assess the physical stability and performance of the lip balms, including organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, melting point, spreadability, and overall stability. Stability was monitored over a 28-day period at room temperature to simulate typical storage conditions. The antioxidant efficacy of the okra extract was quantified using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay, which yielded an IC50 value of 10.06 ppm, reflecting its potent free radical scavenging capacity. The lip balm formulations exhibited a distinct okra aroma, smooth texture, and uniform color variations ranging from light brown (F1), brown (F2), to dark brown (F3). pH values ranged from 5.40 to 5.81, and melting points were between 49.6°C and 52.9°C, all within the acceptable range as per SNI 16-4769-1998 standards. ANOVA statistical analysis revealed no significant changes (p > 0.05) in melting point and spreadability over time. However, significant differences (p < 0.05) were noted in pH values, with further analysis indicating that formulations F2 and F3 differed significantly from F1 (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that okra fruit extract not only enhances the antioxidant properties of lip balm but also maintains its stability and functionality, supporting its potential as a valuable ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

MANAJEMEN PENINGKATAN VALUE ADDED BUAH OKRA MENJADI PRODUK KHAS OLAHAN TEH DAN KOPI DI KBUPATEN JEMBER

The Okra plant is a herbal plant that contains various benefits and is one of the plants produced in large quantities in the Jember Regency area. One of the benefits of okra fruit is to prevent diabetes. However, even though it has various benefits, this fruit is often underestimated and is not even known by various groups in Jember or other areas. Therefore, this research is intended to improve the management of okra fruit so that it can provide high added value as a superior herbal product in Jember Regency. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods. The data used are primary and secondary data, as well as data collection techniques carried out by observation, interviews and literature reviews. The research results show that good management of okra fruit can make the fruit a processed herbal tea and coffee product which has a high selling price and is useful for health.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of quality deterioration of postharvest okra fruit at different storage temperatures

Okra fruit have short postharvest potential and are susceptible to chilling injury (CI). To increase our understanding of the metabolism of okra fruit we have analyzed the transcriptomic and metabolomic changes of the fruit stored at 4, 10, and 22 ℃ for six days. Compared with 0 d, storage at 22 °C for 6 days, senescence and lignification of fruit were associated with upregulation of genes related to abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis and signal transduction (ZEP, NCED, AAO, PYR/PYL, PP2C), lignin synthesis (HCT, 4CL, CCR, CAD, F5H, COMT), and cellulose synthesis (CesA). Chilling injury of okra at 4 ℃ may be caused by the activation of the α-linolenic acid metabolic pathway and flavonoid synthesis pathway, compromised membrane integrity, and higher reactive oxygen species levels. Storage at 10 ℃ resulted in the downregulation of ABA synthesis, signal transduction, and lignin synthesis genes, inhibition of α-linolenic acid pathway metabolites, and the expression of membrane lipid degradation genes (PLD, PLA, lipase, DGK, LOX). Conversely, there was an upregulation of antioxidant enzymes (APX, AO, POD, Grx, MDHAR) and genes involved in the flavonoid synthesis pathway (C4H, CHS, CHI, F3H, ANS), and with their corresponding metabolites (pinocembrin, butin, epiafzelechin, catechin). These changes were associated with slower fruit senescence, indicating that 10 ℃ better maintained the physiological quality of okra fruit after harvest. Based on these findings, a network model was established to control the postharvest quality of okra fruit under different temperature treatments. This study explored the regulatory mechanism of okra at different temperatures at the molecular level and laid a theoretical foundation for improving the quality of postharvest okra and extending its shelf life.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. moench) fruit powder standardized in flavonoids improves glycemic control and metabolic memory in acute and chronic hyperglycemia

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease with high global prevalence characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. Elevated blood glucose levels are associated with constant oxidative stress and increased protein glycation, establishing a metabolic memory state. Therefore, the efficacy of the Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. moench) Fruit Powder Standardized in Flavonoids (OFP-SF) was evaluated in glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress, and metabolic memory, using zebrafish models of acute and chronic hyperglycemia. The OFP-SF was produced from dried fresh fruits and subsequently subjected to characterization regarding its antioxidant potential and chemical composition. Finally, the product was standardized to contain 1.6% flavonoids. In acute hyperglycemia, OFP-SF at doses of 125 μg and 250 μg demonstrated the ability to normalize blood glucose levels, reaching levels of 94.56 ± 5.9 mg/dL and 76.88 ± 8.9 mg/dL, respectively, when administered prior to glucose overload. The same doses were tested in a chronic hyperglycemia model, where after a seven-day treatment, animals receiving 125 and 250 μg of OFP-SF exhibited glycemic values of 73.45 ± 15.67 mg/dL and 33.96 ± 5.31 mg/dL, respectively, comparable to those observed in the Control group (49.48 ± 2.77 mg/dL). Furthermore, OFP-SF was able to mitigate metabolic memory by reducing oxidative stress and protein glycation in the brain, liver, and eye tissues of hyperglycemic zebrafish. These findings provide a basis for developing new products that utilize the phytochemical potential of A. esculentus fruits for the prevention and adjunctive treatment of T2DM.

Evaluation of the Performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus l. Moench) Genotypes for Growth, Yield, and Quality Parameters

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the performance of okra genotypes for growth, yield and quality parameters. Okra is often cross-pollinated and is grown primarily for its fruits, which have various culinary uses. Tender fruits are commonly boiled or used in sliced and fried dishes. Okra fruits are also dried in the sun, canned, or dehydrated for preservation during the off-season. The study was carried out at New Orchard, Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Raichur, during late Kharif 2021-22 using thirty-one genotypes (including the check variety Arka Anamika) and laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among genotypes for all traits studied. Genotype OPL-2127 recorded the highest plant height (96.52 cm), stem girth (14.26 mm), number of leaves per plant (23.20), leaf area index (3.08), number of nodes per plant (13.60), chlorophyll content (59.61 SPAD readings), fruit length (18.69 cm), fruit yield per plant (293.53 g), fruit yield per hectare (16.4 t) and it is found to be superior over the other okra genotypes under the study. The highest fruit girth (41.36 mm) was noted in the genotypes OPL-2108. The genotype OPL-2119 recorded the minimum number of days to 50 per cent flowering (38.00) which indicates the earliness of the genotypes. OPL-2023 recorded the highest fibre content (16.09 %). The genotypes OPL-2127, OPL-2121, OPL-2116, OPL-2115 and OPL-2113 were found to be superior okra genotypes for yield and quality and they can be used in future breeding and crop improvement program.

Okra cultivation under irrigation with saline water and foliar application of hydrogen peroxide

Foliar application of hydrogen peroxide can induce plant defense mechanisms against salt stress, favoring plant acclimation in regions with qualitative and quantitative scarcity of water resources, such as the Brazilian semi-arid region. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of foliar hydrogen peroxide application on chlorophyll a fluorescence, growth, and production of okra under irrigation with saline water. The experiment was conducted under field conditions in Pombal, PB, using a randomized block design with a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement corresponding to five electrical conductivity levels of water – ECw (0.3, 1.3, 2.3, 3.3, and 4.3 dS m-1) and three hydrogen peroxide concentrations – H2O2 (0, 25, and 50 μM), with five replications. Irrigation water salinity levels up to 2.2 dS m-1 increase the maximum fluorescence of okra plants 75 days after transplanting. Foliar application of 50 µM hydrogen peroxide proved to be beneficial for plant height, stem diameter, stem dry matter, root dry matter, and total dry matter of okra when plants were grown in low-salinity water. The hydrogen peroxide concentrations of 25 and 50 µM increased the number of leaves. However, these concentrations reduced the average weight of the okra dry fruits. Foliar application with 50 µM hydrogen peroxide had a significant effect on the dry leaf phytomass of the okra cv. Clemson American 80 regardless of the electrical conductivity of irrigation water. Foliar hydrogen peroxide application at concentrations up to 50 µM intensifies the deleterious effects of salt stress on the total weight of dried okra fruits. Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus L., acclimation, salt stress.

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.

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

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

Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Property of Green Okra Fruit Extract Against Enterococcus Faecalis Bacteria Tooth Root Canals

Background: Root canal treatment aims to eliminate bacteria that cause pulp abnormalities. Enterococcus faecalis is a bacteria in the infected tooth pulp, even those that have been treated. Irrigation was carried out together with biomechanical preparation using a combination of NaOCl and EDTA. The material is antibacterial, dissolves the organic and inorganic tissue of the root canal dentin, lacks odor and irritates the soft tissue. An alternative irrigation material from Jember cultivation is green okra. The fruit contains flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids. This study aims to analyze the phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of green okra fruit extract on the growth of E. Faecalis bacteria. Method: Phytochemical analysis to see the content of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids and terpenoids. Antimicrobial analysis included the inhibition test using disc diffusion, MIC and MBC tests using the dilution method. Samples were green okra fruit extract 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.125%, 1.563%, 2.5% NaOCl, 17% EDTA. The MIC and MBC tests were examined for Optical Density values ​​with a spectrophotometer and then subcultured to see whether there was growth of bacterial colonies. Analysis of the research data used ANOVA and LSD parametric statistical tests Result: Phytochemical content sequentially is Polyphenols, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Tannins, Steroids, Terpenoids. Antimicrobial properties Green okra fruit extract concentration of 6.25% had the smallest inhibition zone, the largest OD value and the highest colony count. The concentration of 100% has the largest inhibition zone, the lowest OD, there are no bacterial colonies. Antimicrobial power The concentration of 100% is close to that of 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl. In the Kruskal Wallis test, there were differences in the Mann-Whitney test study group, there were significant differences between all groups Conclusion: The phytochemical content of green okra fruit extract has antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis approaching 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA at 100% concentration, 6.25% MIC concentration and 12.5% ​​MBC concentration. Keywords: Phytochemical, Antibacterial, Green okra fruit extract, Enterococcus faecalis

Daya Hambat Ekstrak Buah Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) terhadap Pertumbuhan Candida albicans

Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection of the superficial epithelium of the oral cavity caused by an overgrowth of Candida species. Effective therapy for oral candidiasis is nystatin. However, this drug has a variety of side effects. Therefore, natural therapeutic agent with minimal side effects is needed to be safe in long-term use. Okra fruit contains active ingredients that can be used as an antifungal agent. Aims to prove the ability of okra fruit extract and analyze the optimal concentration of okra fruit extract in inhibitting the growth of C. albicans. The antifungal activity test was carried out using the disk diffusion method. The research sample was divided into six groups, namely K (+) (nystatin), K (-) (DMSO 10%), and okra fruit extract with concentrations of 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% obtained through the maceration process. Each research group was taken with a micropipette and then dripped on a paper disk. Paper disks were placed and distributed evenly on the surface of Saboroud Dextrose Agar (SDA) media that had been inoculated with C. albicans then incubated for 48 hours. The results showed the formation of a clear area around the paper disk that has been dropped with concentrations of 100%, 75%, and 50% of okra fruit extract. Okra fruit extract had an inhibitory effect on the growth of C. albicans and 100% concentration of okra fruit extract had the optimal ability to inhibit the growth of C. albicans.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impact of numerous larval diets on the biology of pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) under laboratory conditions

BackgroundPink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) has become a potential pest of cotton by causing substantial yield losses around the world including Pakistan. Keeping in view the facts like limited research investigations, unavailability, and high cost of artificial diet’s constituents and their premixes, the present research investigations on the dietary aspect of P. gossypiella were conducted. The larvae of P. gossypiella were reared on different diets that were prepared using indigenous elements. The standard/laboratory diet comprised of wheat germ meal 34.5 g, casein 30.0 g, agar–agar 20.0 g, sucrose 10.0 g, brewer’s yeast 5.0 g, α-cellulose 1.0 g, potassium-sorbate1.5 g, niplagin 0.5 g, decavitamin 0.01 g, choline-chloride 0.06 g, maize-oil 3.30 g, honey 2.0 g, and water 730.0 mL. Alternatives to cotton bolls and wheat germ meal were okra seed sprouts, okra fruit, cottonseed meal, and okra seed meals, which were included in the study to introduce an efficient and economic mass-rearing system.ResultsThe larval development completed in 19.68 d ± 0.05 d with a weight of 20.18 mg ± 0.20 mg at the fourth instar fed on the cottonseed meal-based diet instead of wheat germ meal based diet. On the same diet, 84.00% ± 4.00%, 17.24 mg ± 0.03 mg, and 7.76 d ± 0.06 d were recorded as pupae formation, pupal weight, and pupal duration, respectively. Adult emergence, 76.00% ± 1.00% was recorded from pupae collected from larvae raised on cottonseed meal-based diet. These male and female moths lived for 40.25 d ± 0.10 d, and 44.34 d ± 0.11 d, respectively. Females deposited 21.28 ± 0.04 eggs per day with the viability of 65.78% ± 0.14%. The larval mortality at the fourth instar was 37.20% ± 1.36% and malformed pupation of 12.00% ± 1.41% was recorded. Replacement of wheat germ meal with that of local meals (cottonseed and okra seed) in the standard laboratory diet has saved 463.80 to 467.10 PKR with 1.62 to 1.63 cost economic returns, respectively.ConclusionThis research is of novel nature as it provides a concise and workable system for the economic and successful rearing of P. gossypiella under laboratory conditions.

A Review on Beneficial Properties of Purple Okra

Okra is one of the most popular and commercially grown vegetables in different parts of the India due its nutritive, medicinal and economic value. Generally, green tender pods of okra are used as edible purpose and green varieties are commercially cultivated for most okra growing areas even export market also dominated by green varieties despite being the higher nutritive value of purple okra or red okra than green okra. Purple okra has enormous health benefits and can be used as traditional medicine in China and Indonesia. Several epidemiological studies proof superiority of purple okra over green okra due to presence of different types of antioxidants like beta-carotene, anthocyanin and phenolic compounds. Higher nutrients’ composition of purple okra can prevent some chronic diseases like goitre, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, microbial infections, ulcers, and neurodegenerative diseases, irritation of the stomach and colon, gonorrhoea, sore throat, dysentery and also lower blood sugar. The fruits of purple okra have beneficial properties like anti-gastric acid, anti-oxidative, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory and even have insecticidal properties.