Okra Samples Research Articles

Effect of integrated pest management practices on the occurrence of pesticide residue in okra cultivated by farmers in Kwara state.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach for minimizing the negative impacts of pests on crops while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. This study was conducted in Kwara State Nigeria in 2023, to investigate the effects of implementation of IPM practices on the occurrence of pesticide residues in okra cultivated by the farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria, and identify the factors affecting the use of IPM practices for pest control in okra production. A sample of 245 okra farmers was selected across 4 agricultural zones of Kwara State using a multistage sampling technique. Additionally, okra samples were collected from the farmers of each community of the local government areas. The data collected from the farmers were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC). The collected okra samples were taken to the laboratory for pesticide residue extraction and analysis was performed using gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometer (MS). The results showed that most okra producers in Kwara State were smallholder farmers who, despite practicing IPM, had limited knowledge of the technology. Some pesticide residues were detected in okra, out of which two were present in quantities above the maximum residue limit, while others were below the maximum residue limit. Therefore, this study recommends that the government should improve extension services in the State by providing adequate funds and training extension agents who can provide comprehensive training to farmers on the types and application of IPM as an eco-friendly technology for preventing pesticide residue in okra.

Development of an advanced analytical technique for detecting multiple pesticide residues in vegetables through liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS)

A comprehensive LC-MS/MS method, which employs Positive Electrospray Ionization (PEI) and Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) was developed for the simultaneous determination of 35 pesticides belonging to various chemical classes in tomato, brinjal, chili, and okra samples. Extraction was facilitated using a modified QuEChERS method, which allows efficient sample analysis in a single run. Calibration curves for each pesticide exhibited linearity within the concentration range of 0.0025 to 0.1 µg mL−1, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.993 to 0.999. Mean recoveries at five fortification levels (0.01 to 0.5 µg kg−1) ranged from 80 to 90%, demonstrating satisfactory precision (RSD < 20%). The matrix effects, mitigated through an optimized cleanup process, were observed within the range of 6.42% to 19.52%. The developed method having the limit of quantification of 0.01 mg kg−1 for all 35 pesticides, proved to be highly sensitive and rapid for multi-residue estimation in diverse vegetable samples. Subsequently, the method was used to analyze the market samples from Varanasi, India, which revealed the presence of pesticides like Chlorpyrifos, Chlorantraniliproleand Indoxacarb in tomato, brinjal, chili and okra. Therefore, the method could be considered as a robust tool for monitoring pesticide residues in vegetables, aiding in quality assessment and regulatory compliance in the agriculture sector.

Effects of pesticide residues on the growth and yield of vegetables at Navrongo of Ghana

BackgroundThe constant use of pesticides on farmlands is a source of food poison and potential cause of disease to humans in most parts of Africa. The lack of in-depth knowledge on the choices of use of the pesticides and their applications by most farmers in our African communities is a key to unsafe food and unhealthy living. Furthermore, the impact of some of these pesticides on the growth and yield of vegetable crops is largely unexplored. The present research was conducted in the Tono Irrigation Dam area of Navrongo, Ghana, where vegetable cultivation holds substantial economic importance making it a critical aspect of the local economy. In this study, we identified prevalent pesticides used in Navrongo’s vegetable cultivation, quantified pesticide residues present in selected vegetables grown, and assessed the impact of the pesticides on the vegetable crops’ growth and yields.MethodsThirty vegetable farmers at the Tono Irrigation Dam Area, Navrongo were randomly selected, and interviewed face to face. Questionnaires were also employed for data acquisition. Vegetables were sampled by dividing the farmland of each of the vegetable types in to three equal portions, and from each of the three portions, one sample was collected which was then put together with the other two samples as one. The samples were packed in zip-lock bags and kept at a cold temperature (− 20 ℃) before being transferred to the laboratory where they were thawed, homogenized and then subjected to extraction. The extract obtained was subjected to a clean-up process and then analyzed on a GC–MS instrument for pesticide detection and quantification.ResultsThe interview revealed number of years of farmers’ engagemrent in vegetable cultivation from one to ten, and identified four key vegetable varieties grown by the farmers: Capsicum annuum (pepper), Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), Solanum aethiopicum (garden egg) and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato). The data acquired gave identities or names of eight pesticides that are applied on the cultivated vegetables or farmlands by the farmers, and a decision on the vegetables selected for analysis in this study. Furthermore, the study revealed dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), k-optimal, lindane, and lambda-cyhalothrin to be among the pesticides in use, with DDT being a non-degradable, and the most widely applied pesticide. Notably, the DDT, lindane, and hexachlorocyclohexane, residues exceeded safety limits set by the European Commission in pepper, garden egg and okra. Unfortunately, banned pesticides such as heptachlor and aldrin were detected in the cultivated vegetables. More alarmingly, the commonly used DDT and lambda-cyhalothrin in the vegetable cultivation were found to hinder seed germination and seedling vigor in an investigation.ConclusionsThe DDT, lindane, and hexachlorocyclohexane, residues detected in the pepper, garden egg and okra samples that exceeded safety limits render these vegetables unsafe for human consumption. The banned heptachlor and aldrin detected in the vegetables indicate long-lasting environmental contamination. The commonly used DDT and lambda-cyhalothrin in the vegetable cultivation found to hinder seed germination and seedling vigor, indicate their non-degradability and substantial growth impediments. This present study therefore underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and informs pesticide practices to safeguard both crops and public health in the district. We recommend further research be conducted to assess the potential health implications associated with the cultivation and consumption of vegetables in Navrongo, Ghana.

Validation and efficacy of various decontamination solutions in eliminating acephate residues from okra

The experiments were carried out to validate an analytical method and to examine the impact of various decontaminating solutions on the removal of acephate residues from okra. Acephate analysis was performed using HPLC-UV, and sample extraction was done using the QuEChERS method. Method validation encompassed assessing specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, as well as limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ). The method exhibited excellent linearity with R2 values ≥ 0.99. LOD and LOQ were determined at 0.5 µg mL−1 and 2 µg mL−1, respectively. The results indicated average recoveries ranging from 80.2% to 83.3% with a % RSD below 5%. The decontamination procedures include rinsing with running tap water, soaking in lukewarm water, 2% CH3COOH, 1% NaCl, 5% NaHCO3, 0.01% KMnO4, and in commercially available decontamination products such as nimwash, veggie clean, and arka herbiwash for a duration 10 minutes. Among all the treatments, soaking in nimwash solution showed remarkable effectiveness (96.75% removal), followed by veggie clean (94.97% removal) and arka herbiwash (95.80% removal). Washing okra samples in running tap water was found to be the least effective compared to other treatments.

Optimization of QuEChERS method for determination of pesticide residues in vegetables and health risk assessment.

The present study focused on the optimization of the QuEChERS extraction method for the determination of 61 pesticide residues and associated health risk assessment in 144 samples of commonly consumed vegetables, viz., eggplant, cabbage, green chilli, okra, and tomato. The samples were collected between January and April 2022 from three different districts within Gujarat, India. The QuEChERS method was optimized and utilized for the extraction of samples. The samples were analyzed by UHPLC-q-TOF/MS and GC-MS/MS. The modified QuEChERS method was successfully validated, and the obtained results were satisfactory as per the 2021 SANTE guidelines. The residue analysis of the vegetable samples showed that about 4% of total samples contained single pesticide residues. Pesticide residues below the quantitation limit (BQL) were observed in eggplant, cabbage, and okra samples. In total, 15.62% (n = 5) samples of green chilli showed the presence of pesticides such as azoxystrobin, bifenthrin, cypermethrin, fenpropathrin, and propargite whereas 3% (n = 1) tomato samples contained cyfluthrin. In total, 97.22% of the samples had residues that were below the European Union Maximum Residue Limit (EU MRL). Two samples of green chilli had pesticide residues above EU MRL. The Hazard Index (HI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) were used to assess the health risks associated with green chilli and tomato consumption. The HI and HQ values for adolescents and adults were found to be less than 1. The modified QuEChERS method was found to be easy and effective and can be implemented for routine sample analysis. The study revealed the presence of pesticide residues in tomato and green chilli samples. Further, the outcome provided information pertaining to current pesticide status, concluding that consumption of these commodities is unlikely to pose any health risk, though long-term monitoring studies focusing on dietary health risk assessment must be initiated.

Investigation of thermal performance, drying characteristics and environomical analysis: direct flow evacuated tube solar drying of okra.

A direct flow evacuated tube solar dryer (DF_ETSD), a novel drying system, was used for drying pre-treated okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The performance of DF_ETSD was analysed by determining thermal profiling, dryer and collector efficiency hourly. The maximum 3-day average ambient temperature, collector outlet temperature and solar radiation were 35.6°C, 66.4°C and 976 W m-2 respectively. The collector efficiency increased as solar radiation increased over time due to a higher temperature difference between the collector outlet and ambient temperature. The maximum collector and dryer efficiency observed were 30.19% and 21.47%, respectively. A pre-treatment of okra was done in hot water at 70, 80 and 90°C for 5min. Okra samples were dried from an initial moisture content of 87.42 ± 1.49% (wb) to a final value of 10.77 ± 1.03% (wb) in 9h. The pre-treatment temperature of 80°C is suitable for maximum drying rate, colour retention and rehydration ratio and minimum water activity, which signifies the longer shelf-life of okra. Midilli and Kucuk model was best fitted (highest R2, lowest χ2 and RMSE) for the control and samples pre-treated at 80°C; however, Verma model was suitably fitted for the sample pre-treated at 70 and 90°C. The payback period of DF_ETSD was found to be 1.27years. Environmental analysis shows the CO2 emission and net CO2 mitigation ranged between 1.24 and 18.65 t and 9.86 and 154.05 t respectively for different selected lifecycles of the dryer. Due to its environmental sustainability and low payback period, the presented drying system is recommended for okra and other fruits and vegetables.

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 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.

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

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

Health and Nutritional Qualities of Okra and Kapok Sauces Produced Using Local Ingredients

Precooked sauces are sauces that are partially or fully prepared, allowing consumers to reduce preparation time as well as energy costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of precooked okra and kapok sauces produced in Ouagadougou. So, 7 samples of okra (OS) and kapok (KS) sauces from different production batches were analyzed. Physicochemical and microbiological analyzes were carried out using standard methods. The results of physicochemical analyzes revealed a significant difference between pH values, acidity and ash content (p&lt;0.05). The pH of the sauce samples ranged from 5.45±0.01 to 6.23±0.04. Sample KS2 presented the lowest water content (7.31±0.14%) and KS1 the highest water content (8.53±0.06%). The highest contents of ash, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, acidity were respectively 25.05±0.07% (KS2), 39.68% (OS3), 46.15% (KS2), 29.39% (OS4) and 7.6±1.56% (OS4). The energy values ranged from 275.38 Kcal/100 g (KS2) to 555.14 Kcal/100 g (OS3). The results of the microbiological analyzes reveal that 57.14% of the sauces analyzed were of unsatisfactory quality for total mesophilic aerobic flora, sporulating flora and yeasts and molds. Regarding total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli, 100% of the samples were of satisfactory quality. An absence of Salmonella and Shigella was observed in 100% of the samples analyzed. This study revealed that for all the germs studied, 5 of the samples of precooked okra and kapok sauces analyzed were of unsatisfactory quality and 2 of acceptable quality.

Monitoring of imidacloprid residues in fresh fruits and vegetables from the central parts of Jordan

Imidacloprid pesticide is widely utilized in agriculture due to its effectiveness in controlling a broad spectrum of insect pests. However, its usage has raised concerns about potential environmental impacts, and requires careful monitoring and responsible application to ensure sustainable agricultural practices. Thus, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to analyze imidacloprid in 300 vegetable and fruit samples obtained from 15 major wholesalers in four regions of Amman, Jordan's capital city. Among the examined samples, 39.7 % were found to be contaminated with imidacloprid residues. Imidacloprid levels in different edible fruits and vegetables ranged from less than the Limit of Quantification (LOQ) to 0.40 mg kg−1. Significantly, eggplant and apples exhibited the highest average values (0.40 and 0.25 mg kg−1, respectively). Lower levels were detected in bananas (0.04 mg kg−1), potatoes (0.05 mg kg−1), grapes (0.07 mg kg−1), and cabbage (0.07 mg kg−1). Imidacloprid was below the method detection limit (BD) in samples of okra, peaches, apricots, and carrots. Overall, 25 samples (8.3 %) exceeded the Codex maximum residue limit (MRL) for imidacloprid. Moreover, 8 out of the 300 samples (2.7 %) exceeded the MRL established by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). Notably, the fruits of eggplant and apple contained the highest residual levels (1.30 and 0.83 mg kg−1, respectively), markedly exceeding the CODEX and PMRA MRLs. Additionally, the maximum detected imidacloprid residue concentration in bananas (0.25 mg kg−1) was 500 % higher than the CODEX MRLs. The estimated average daily intake (EDI) of the Amman population varied from 0.00 to 0.144 μg kg−1 body weight day−1 across various products. The hazard index (HI) for imidacloprid ranged from 0.00 to 0.24, all of which were below unity in all samples (<1). In conclusion, this investigation reveals low HI levels of imidacloprid residues in commonly consumed fruits and vegetables. However, the significant presence of imidacloprid residues in some samples highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to limit potential health hazards to consumers.

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.

Effect of Drying and Freezing on the Phytochemical Properties of Okra during Storage.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is known for its high nutritional value, including its content of phytochemicals. This study aims to investigate the effect of drying and freezing conditions on the phytochemical content of okra. Our results indicated that both air-drying and freezing okra during 6 months of storage showed a significant decrease in total phenolic content, flavonoid content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, higher levels of phytochemicals were found for okra samples treated with Na2SO4 solution when compared to untreated okra. The freezing process appeared to better preserve the content of the investigated phytochemicals when compared to the decrease after drying. Our research has determined that both immersing and freezing okra samples consistently yielded better results in the preservation of phytochemical properties over time, compared to other methods. This study is important for the food industry, as it highlights the importance of proper storage methods to retain the nutritional value of okra.

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.

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

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

Analysis of multiple pesticide residues in market samples of okra and associated dietary risk assessment for consumers.

European Union Reference Laboratory method for Fruits and Vegetables (EURL-FV-2010-M1) for the quantification of pesticide residues was verified for the determination of multiple pesticide residues in okra. The targeted pesticides were extracted using acetonitrile with citrate buffer salts followed by cleanup with primary secondary amine (PSA) and analyzed on LC-MS/MS. The recoveries for all the targeted pesticides were within an acceptable range of 70.1-116.6% and precision in terms of RSD was 0.3-18.1%, respectively. The limit of quantification ranged from 0.002mg/kg for carbofuran to 0.5mg/kg for α-cypermethrin. The status of pesticide residues in okra (n = 21) available to consumers in the main markets of Pakistan has been determined by using this verified method. Sixty-two percent of the tested samples were contaminated out of which three samples were non-compliant with European Union maximum residue limits (EU-MRL). The pesticides violating the EU-MRL were bifenthrin, thiamethoxam, and triazophos. For all the detected pesticides, estimated daily intake (EDI) ranged between 1.40 × 10-6 and 1.78 × 10-4mg/kg of body weight, chronic exposure risk (%ADI) ranged from 0.0073 to 1.8%, and acute exposure risk (%ARfD) ranged from 0.01 to 24.20%. The results exhibited insignificant risk from chronic exposure and minor to medium level of risk from acute exposure of these pesticides to human health.

Utilization of treated industrial wastewater and accumulation of heavy metals in soil and okra vegetable

Industrial wastewater pollution is the biggest threat to our environment. The current study deals with the consumption of treated industrial wastewater for cultivation purposes. During this study okra (Bhindi, local name) was cultivated with fresh water, industrial wastewater, and treated industrial wastewater. Three plots of 10 × 10 feet were sown with a total of 96 okra seeds. The highest height of 180 cm was found in the Okra plant grown on treated industrial wastewater while the lowest height recorded was 17 cm grown on industrial wastewater after three months. It was found that treated industrial wastewater has a better and substantial impact on the growth of plants. The heavy metals i.e. zinc, iron, chromium, and copper, found in okra samples were within limits except chromium (1.8 mg/kg) in okra vegetable from plot-2; while these parameters zinc, iron, chromium, and copper, were found in soil, stem, and leaves. The treated industrial wastewater for agriculture purposes may be the biggest and useful source in the future, which will reduce the burden on freshwater resources and contribution to environmental protection. However, it is suggested that further research is needed to unveil complete nutritional and toxicological levels in okra edible vegetables.

Long–term monitoring of 155 multi–class pesticide residues in Indian vegetables and their risk assessment for consumer safety

A systematic long–term study was conducted to monitor the pesticide residues in commercially important vegetables that are produced, consumed, and exported from India. Residues of 155 commonly used pesticides were determined in 966 samples of cabbage, green chilli, and okra grown in North and North–Western part of India. The residues were extracted using modified Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method and quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography tandem–mass spectrometry. Acetamiprid, cypermethrin, imidacloprid, metalaxyl, and profenofos were the most frequently detected pesticides. No pesticide was detected in 94.4% cabbage, 34.5% green chilli, and 61% okra samples. The chronic risk assessment due to the dietary exposure of the pesticides was evaluated for Indian adult and child. The results suggested that the detected residue levels in vegetables were within safe limits and their consumption will not pose any dietary risk to the consumers.

Maturity determination at harvest and spatial assessment of moisture content in okra using Vis-NIR hyperspectral imaging

Maturity determination of fresh okra fruit is a crucial issue for farmers to optimize harvest date for good taste and economic return. In this study, visible and near infrared (Vis-NIR) hyperspectral imaging was employed to evaluate the maturity stage and moisture content of fresh okra fruit precisely. Immature, mature and post-mature okra samples were identified by measuring the shear force, and physicochemical analysis indicated the negative correlation between maturity and moisture content. A library for support vector machines (LIBSVM) model was developed using effective wavelengths, texture features and their fusion, respectively. The LIBSVM model using the fused dataset obtained the highest total maturity classification accuracy reaching 91.7 % for cross-validation. Further investigation was conducted to predict moisture content in okra with different maturity by multiple linear regression (MLR) model, and the determination coefficient, the root mean square error and residual predictive deviation of cross-validation was Rcv2 = 0.816, RMSECV = 1.348 %, RPDcv = 2.333, respectively. After that spatial distribution map was generated to visualize the moisture content in okra fruit. These results demonstrated the potential of hyperspectral imaging for maturity determination and moisture content changes during growth, providing the support for the development of field monitoring sensor to determine the optimum harvest date of okra fruit.

Energy and exergy analyses of okra drying process in a forced convection cabinet dryer

A forced convection automatic cabinet dryer integrated with a data logger was designed and fabricated. The okra samples were dried in the dryer at drying temperatures of 50, 60, and 70 °C and at three different load densities of 200, 300, and 400 g at a continuous air velocity of 0.7 m·s&lt;sup&gt;–1&lt;/sup&gt;. Energy and exergy analyses of the drying process were performed. The obtained results showed that the energy efficiency, energy utilisation, and utilisation ratio increased from 26.59 to 68.24%, 5.47 to 114.36 W, and 0.36 to 0.71 as the temperature increased to 70 °C, respectively. The inflow, outflow, and exergy losses were in the range of 7.02 to 26.14 W, 4.43 to 14.16 W, and 2.59 to 11.98 W, respectively, while exergy efficiency varied from 49.15 to 63.47%. The findings show that exergy efficiencies decrease with an increase in the drying temperature, but increase with a lower load rate. The index of sustainability varies from 2.14 to 2.77, the value increases as the load density decreases while it decreases with a temperature increment.