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An atmosphere within a package affects the metabolic process of food and the microbial growth of fresh products and has a vital role in preserving food. It depends on the membrane's specific gas permeability and selectivity to generate a desirable atmosphere for storage. In this study, triblock poly(l-lactic acid‑d-ɛ-caprolactone) (PLDC) copolymers and three-arm poly(l-lactic acid-g-ɛ-caprolactone) (PLGC) star copolymers were synthesized, in which a microphase-separated morphology of sea-island structure was established in PLGC membrane as a gas "fast permeation channel" for regulating CO

Background: Abelmoschus esculentus (AE) (okra), is an edible plant used in many food applications. Objective: This study explored whether sulfated AE (SAE) has promising cancer chemopreventive activities that may recommend it as a functional food supplement instead of (or in addition to) AE for the population at risk of cancer and in the health food industry. Methods: Cytochrome P450-1A (CYP1A) was estimated by fluorescence enzymatic reaction, using β-naphthoflavone-treated cells (CYP1A inducer). Peroxyl and hydroxyl radical scavenging was assayed by oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay. Flow cytometry was used to analyze apoptosis/necrosis in MCF-7 cells, cell cycle phases in MCF-7 cells, and macrophage binding to fluorescein isothiocyanate-lipopolysaccharide (FITC-LPS). Nitric oxide was determined by Griess assay in LPS-stimulated macrophages, and cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was used to induce hepatic tumor initiation in rats. Placental glutathione-S-transferase (GSTP; an initiation marker) was stained in a fluorescence immunohistochemical analysis of liver sections, and histopathological changes were examined. Results: SAE exhibited strong antitumor initiation and antitumor promotion activities. It suppressed CYP1A, scavenged peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals, induced macrophage proliferation, suppressed macrophage binding to FITC-LPS, inhibited nitric oxide generation, showed specific cytotoxicity to human breast MCF-7 adenocarcinoma cells, and disturbed the cell cycle phases (S and G2/M phases) in association with an increased percentage of apoptotic/necrotic MCF-7 cells. Over a short time period, DEN stimulated liver cancer initiation, but SAE treatment reduced the DEN-induced histopathological alterations and inhibited CYP1A and GSTP. Conclusion: SAE extract has the potential for use as an alternative to AE in health foods to provide cancer chemoprevention in populations at risk for cancer.

Okra pods contain heat-sensitive substances, such as phenolic compounds and other phytochemicals that can be degraded when okra pods are subjected to heat treatment. The understanding of the impact of high humidity hot air impingement blanching (HHAIB) on the changes in physicochemical properties of polysaccharides and phytochemicals of okra pods is of great importance because over-blanching may result in cell membrane disruption and changes in biologically active compounds under prolonged exposure to the thermal treatment. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of HHAIB on the changes in physicochemical properties of pectins and phytochemicals extracted from okra pods.Both the HHAIB time and method of extraction influenced their physicochemical characteristics and biological activity. Pectin fractions subjected to HHAIB were composed of polygalacturonic acid, rhamnogalacturonan, glucomannan, galactan, mannose, arabinose, rhamnose, calcium pectate and arabinogalactan. The contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity of extracts mostly increased during HHAIB (i.e. up to 19.0%, 13.2% and 35.3%, respectively). However, HHAIB reduced the chlorophyll-a (up to 55.7%) and lycopene (up to 52.6%) contents of okra pods.The acquired knowledge may be useful for better understanding and optimization of technologies based on HHAIB treatment. The HHAIB treated okra can be a promising natural alternative in different applications, including its use as a replacement of some ingredients in food or non-food systems as a result of richness in polysaccharides and polyphenols, as well as high antioxidant properties. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Self-healing conductive hydrogels have attracted widespread attention as a new generation of smart wearable devices and human motion monitoring sensors. To improve the biocompatibility and degradability of such strain sensors, we report a sensor with a sandwich structure based on a biomucopolysaccharide hydrogel. The sensor was constructed with a stretchable self-healing hydrogel composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), okra polysaccharide (OP), borax, and a conductive layer of silver nanowires. The obtained OP/PVA/borax hydrogel exhibited excellent stretchability (~1073.7%) and self-healing ability (93.6% within 5 min), and the resultant hydrogel-based strain sensor demonstrated high sensitivity (gauge factor = 6.34), short response time (~20 ms), and good working stability. This study provides innovative ideas for the development of biopolysaccharide hydrogels for applications in the field of sensors.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is high-valued vegetable and oil crop serving the food, pharmaceutical, paper and oil industry. The production of okra in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and globally are hindered by a lack of improved cultivars with drought tolerance. Considerable phenotypic and genotypic variation present in okra genetic resources from SSA is useful for cultivar design with enhanced pod and oil yields, and drought tolerance. However, the genetic diversity present in SSA's okra germplasm collection is yet to be explored for breeding targeting economic and horticultural traits. The objective of this review was to document the research progresses on phenotypic and genotypic divergence analysis and drought tolerance breeding of okra to facilitate breeding and conservation. The review presented the diversity of okra for key agronomic, horticultural and physiological traits for ideotype breeding, gene introgression and drought tolerance improvement. This is followed by key summaries on genetic diversity using conventional and genomic tools, and use of genetic variation in selection programs involving drought-adaptive and economic traits. The review serves as a baseline information to guide future okra breeding and cultivar design under water limited environments in SSA or related agro-ecologies.

Genetic variation is fundamental for breeding drought-adapted cultivars with economic traits. The objective of this study was to determine the response of selected okra genotypes to drought stress using yield and yield-related traits to identify and select candidate genotypes for drought tolerance breeding. Twenty-six okra genotypes were evaluated in glasshouse (GH) and field (FLD) environments under drought-stressed (DS) and non-stressed (NS) conditions using a 13 × 2 α lattice design with two replications. Data were collected on the following phenotypic traits: number of branches per plant (NB), plant height (PH), days to maturity (DTM), stem diameter (SD), fresh pod length (FPL), dry pod weight per plant (DPW), dry pod length per plant (DPL), number of seeds per plant (NSP), number of pods per plant (NPP), pod yield per plant (YPP) and anthocyanin (ATY) pigmentation of the stem. Significant (P

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is an essential vegetable cultivated primarily for its delicious green pods. Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) attacks it and damages the foliage by sap-sucking, and also, it transmits Phyto-viruses like Okra Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus and Okra Leaf Curl Virus. The okra production losses due to Whitefly and transmitted viruses are prodigious. This research investigated the population fluctuations of whitefly and the Begomoviruses Percent Disease incidence (PDI) and Disease Severity Index (DSI) in different okra varieties. The Whitefly population's first incidence was recorded in early May, while it peaked in July and vanished in August. The highly susceptible variety was the native Peshawar-local (3.37 Whitefly/ 3 leaf), and the most resistant variety was Sabz-Pari (1.00 Whitefly/3 leaf). The highest disease incidence and severity were recorded on Peshawar-Local (PDI = 72.6, DSI = 69.0), followed by Ganga (PDI = 66.0, DSI = 54.8), while the most resistant variety against the virus infection was Sabz-Pari having lower PDI = 6.00 and DSI = 1.20. The viral infection is characterized by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) through specific primers. Okra Yellow Vein Mosiac Virus was found to be the most prevailing and was amplified (800 bp) in all varieties apart from two resistant one’s, Peshawar-Local and Swat-Green, while Okra Leaf Curl Virus found to be the milder strain, and infection amplified (1600 bp) only in two varieties (Rama-Krishna and Peshawar-Local). The current finding insinuates that due to frequent use of the Peshawar-Local variety, it becomes susceptible to the whitefly and associated viruses; thus, this variety cultivation should be replaced by a resistant variety Sabz-Pari alongside proper monitoring of whitefly masses for expedient management.

Water degumming, mainly removes hydrated phospholipids, is the most common method applying in traditional edible oil production. Silicon dioxide (SiO

BACKGROUND Salinity constrains agricultural sustainability and crops differ in their respond. We tested the hypothesis that contrasting responses in canopy and stomatal traits to salinity will cause convergence of water-use for okra and tomato. RESULTS Stomata were found almost exclusively (>90%) on the lower leaf surface of tomato, but okra produced ~30% of stomata on the upper leaf surface. While salinity reduced the magnitudes of canopy and stomata traits in tomato, stomata traits were either unaffected or enhanced in okra. Salinity reduced the rates and duration of stomatal conductance (gs ) in both crops, more severely in tomato in which gs was restricted to early mornings in contrast to its bell-shape trend in okra. The superiority of okra in its stomata traits was compensated by the larger plant canopies in tomato resulting in both daytime canopy transpiration and total plant water-use were within 17% and 28%, respectively, of each other for the two crops. A tight stomatal control of transpiration that minimised use of water and its uptake from the soil conferred a superior salinity tolerance on tomato over okra. In both crops, D was inversely correlated with A, while water-use was positively correlated with plant leaf area, in addition to D and A in tomato; gs was also correlated with stomata area index in tomato. CONCLUSIONS Differences in water-use for both crops were relatively narrow notwithstanding the several-fold differences in their canopy and stomata traits. Under saline conditions, irrigation intervals should be long for tomato but short for okra. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentusL.) also known as Lady’s Finger is an economically important summer vegetable crop that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is known to have originated in tropical Africa. The crop is quite popular due to its easy cultivation, dependable yield and resistant to drought & water logging adaptability to varying moisture conditions & soil types. (Maurya et al., 2013). the major findings are 74.16 percent of the respondents have knowledge on soils that are Loose, loamy soils are required for Okra cultivation, followed by 64.16 percent of the respondents are saying that they cultivate Okra crop throughout the year. Okra plant produces fiber by 20.2 to 7.2 percent. (Chauhan 1972) East-godavari district of Andra pradesh state was selected purposively based on the maximum farmers’ availability. Descriptive research design was used for the present study. A total of 120 respondents were selected purposively as a sample for the present investigation. The data was collected by using pre-tested schedule and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. Karl Pearson’s Co-efficient of Correlation test was applied to find out the association between farmers socio-economic profile with independent variables. It was concluded that the socio-economic status of the respondents constitute medium level. It was observed that majority of the respondents belonged to the high level of perception and towards improved okra cultivation practices. There was a positive and significant relationship between independent variables with dependent variables. View Article DOI: 10.47856/ijaast.2021.v08i11.005

Polymeric materials from plants continue to be of interest to pharmaceutical scientists as potential binders in immediate release tablets due to availability, sustainability, and constant supply to feed local pharmaceutical industries. Paracetamol tablet formulations were utilized in investigating the potential binding characteristics of pectin harnessed from various okra genotypes (PC1-PC5) in Ghana. The pectin yields from the different genotypes ranged from 6.12 to 18.84%w/w. The pH of extracted pectin ranged from 6.39 to 6.92, and it had good swelling indices and a low moisture content. Pectin extracted from all genotypes were evaluated as binders (10, 15, and 20%w/v) and compared to tragacanth BP. All formulated tablets (F1-F18) passed the weight uniformity, drug content, hardness, and friability tests. Based on their crushing strength, tablets prepared with pectin from the various genotypes were relatively harder ( P ≤ 0.05 ) than tablets prepared with tragacanth BP. Tablets prepared with pectins as binders at 10%w/v and 15%w/v passed the disintegration and dissolution tests with the exception of PC4 at 15%w/v. Incorporation of pectin from all genotypes (excluding PC5) as a binder at concentrations above 15%w/v (F13, F16, F14, and F15) produced tablets which failed the disintegration test and showed poor dissolution profiles. Thus, pectin from these genotypes can be industrially commodified as binders in immediate release tablets using varying concentrations.

Oleochemical wastewater discharge from the industry into water sources is one of the main causes of water pollution. A proper treatment is required before the effluent is discharged to the environment. Since the oleochemical wastewater contains nutrients and probiotics that are good for plants, it could be used as a nutrient provider for the plants instead. Therefore, the formulation of synbiotic plant nutrients from this effluent is an effective way of using the oleochemical effluent. This study aimed to formulate the plant nutrients by using industrial wastewater, which contains the synbiotic enhancement and validating the significance of the formulated plant nutrients into three types of plants; Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra), Solanum Melongena (Brinjal), and Capsicum annuum (Chilli peppers). Synbiotic is a combination of both prebiotics and probiotics that benefit the host by stimulating the growth of a limited number of health-promoting bacteria. To formulate the plant nutrient, the wastewater was filtered using a cotton cloth before the pre-biotics solution was added. Sample A (filtered wastewater was mixed with Sample B (prebiotics solution) by different percentages, namely F1 (100%:0%), F2 (75%:25%), F3 (50%:50%), F3 (25%:75%), 0%:100% (Sample A to Sample B respectively) and lastly, 50%:50% (Sample C (unfiltered wastewater) to Sample B respectively). The height of the plant and the number of leaves are measured weekly for four months. From the data, it can be seen that F3 gave significant results for the okra plant, in which it gains the highest height of plant compared to the other two plants. On the other hand, F6 give the best results for both the brinjal and the chilli plant where their leaves grow the highest from the second until the fourth month of plant growth. Hence, this research gives an added value to the wastewater, whereas the wastewater is used as the synbiotic plant nutrient enhancer and work best for the plants.

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Monech.] is an annual herb of the family Malvaceae and has tremendous nutritional and industrial potential. However, the unknown genome size, variation in ploidy level makes it more challenging for okra breeders to enhance their genetic potential. In this context, the genetic analysis of allelic polymorphism and population structure analysis of okra germplasm is pivotal for its genetic improvement. In the present investigation, a total of 96 okra genotypes were undertaken for morpho-genetic diversity analyses using 13 morphological parameters and 65 SSR markers. Out of 65 SSRs, 50 primers were polymorphic and the mean polymorphic information content (PIC) value was 0.38. The polymorphic loci AVRDC OKRA 64 revealed a maximum PIC value of 0.71 and the number of alleles per locus varied from 2 to 7, with an average of 3.34 alleles per locus. The neighbour-joining (N-J) tree grouped the genotypes into three distinct clusters (I-III), of which Cluster I comprised of cultivated species, A. esculentus and A. caillei, while, Cluster II and III consisted of other related wild species. Furthermore, the population structure analysis distinguished the okra genotypes into two distinct genetic groups comprising cultivated (A. esculentus) and wild-type okra. The variability analysis based on 13 agro-morphological traits revealed that the genotype DOV-92 exhibited the highest per se performance for total fruit yield, followed by Pusa Bhindi-5. The PCA (Principal Component Analysis) analysis revealed that the first three components account for more than 50% of the total genetic variation. The present investigation deciphered a high morphological and genetic diversity in cultivated and wild okra germplasm. Thus, it could serve as important genetic resources for okra improvement programmes.

Usage of wastewater to irrigate crops increases in Egypt and the whole world as a result of water shortage. This study is conducted to explore the potential of Abelmoschus esculentus Moench. (Okra plant) to accumulate and translocate eight trace metals: lead: Pb, cadmium: Cd, chromium: Cr, copper: Cu, iron: Fe, manganese: Mn, nickel: Ni and zinc: Zn in its different tissues due to irrigation with untreated industrial wastewater. It extended to assess the effect of the irrigation with wastewater on the growth parameters, nutrients, pigments and organic contents of the cultivated okra plants.Two studied sites at South of Cairo was conducted, the first site (29°42'31.17" N and 31°15'11.56" E); represented by five cultivated fields irrigated with Nile water (control) and the second site (29°42'37.87" N and 31°17'14.53" E); fields irrigated with effluent receive untreated industrial wastewater. Three composite soil and irrigated water samples were collected from each site. A significant decrease in nutrients: nitrogen (N), Potassium (K) and Phosphorous (P) in soil and Plants were resulted due to irrigation with wastewater. Also, there was a significant increase in trace metals concentration in both soil and plants irrigated with wastewater. A significant decrement in okra growth parameters and leaves photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids) due to irrigation with wastewater. Iron was the highest accumulated metal in the plant's fruits (edible part) irrigated with wastewater. Also, the concentration of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn (42.57, 140,67, 2756.67, 1293.33, 1326.67 and 877.83 mg kg− 1, respectively) was in the phytotoxic range. Wastewater irrigated okras accumulate all of the studied trace metals in their roots (Bioaccumulation factor: BF > 1). In contrast, okra plants had no accumulated trace metals strategy in their shoot, as translocation factor values were less than one. Authors recommended avoiding consuming okra plants cultivated in fields irrigated with wastewater due to high trace metals concentration in their edible part.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) seed powder (OSP) in diets on performance, carcass characteristics, some blood parameters, and gut microbial populations in broiler chickens. For the present experiment, 216 day old chicks were randomly divided into four groups, each group consisting three replicates of 18 chicks in a completely randomized design. Four diets were formulated with diet 1 as the basal diet (control), while 2, 3, and 4 were supplemented with OSP at 1, 2 and 4 %, respectively. The results revealed that the highest final live body weight, accumulative weight gain, and better feed conversion ratio was achieved in birds fed with 1 or 2 % of OSP. Feed intake and carcass characteristics were similar among groups. The highest relative weight of the spleen and cecum was observed in the control group, while the lowest value was observed in birds fed with 4% and 2% OSP, respectively. The longest length of the gastrointestinal tract was seen in 2% OSP compared to other groups. Serum cholesterol and ALT activity were decreased as compared to control diets. The group fed with 2 % OSP showed higher albumin levels compared to those fed with 1% of OSP. The population of total bacteria and Escherichia coli in jejunum digesta of OSP supplemented broiler chickens was reduced, meanwhile, there was an increased in lactic acid bacteria counts as compared to control. Therefore, 1 and 2 % okra seed powder in the diet of broiler chickens was able to improve the growth performance.

Method of harvest strategy in dual-purpose okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (syn. Hibiscus esculentus L.) may affect harvest frequency, diversify crop use, and improve grower income. In a 2...

Aim: Genetically complementary parents and amount of heritability of economic traits determines the successful development of breeding population, hybrids and varieties. The studies on heterosis and combining ability are useful in formulating effective breeding strategies and selection of suitable parents for crosses in breeding program. Study Design: During the study period24 F1hybrids and their 10 parents were evaluated along with commercial check (‘Shakthi’) in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replication. Place and Duration of the Study: The present study was conducted at Adhiparasakthi Agricultural College farm, Kalavai, Vellore district of Tamil Nadu state during summer 2014. Methodology: The experimental material consist of 24 F1 hybrids developed from six lines (EC755648, EC755653, EC 755654, IC52303, IC755652 IC111515 ) and three tester (Arakka Anamika, Parbhani, Pusa Sawani VRO 22 ). These were evaluated along with commercial check (‘Shakthi’) in a randomized block design with three replication. The observation were recorded for 14 yield and yield contributing characters. Results: The results inferred that the predominance of non-additive gene action was observed for all the traits. Among the parents, the overall study of gca effects suggested that parent EC 755648 and Parbhanikranti were significant general combiner for yield, these can be used to improve hybrids with desirable traits in future. Significant positive SCA effects were found for all the studied traits. Conclusion: Among the hybrids, EC755653 x ArakkaAnamikaand IC111515 x ParbhaniKrantishowed desirable standard heterosis percentage over the check Shakthi along with good sca effects and per se performance for yield and other important yield contributing traits, thus it can be effectively be exploited in hybrid breeding programme.

Objectives:Homoeopathic dilutions are used to increase active principles in medicinal plants, detoxify plants, increase plant growth rate and fruit production, improve plant metabolism and control diseases. This controlled experimental prospective study was conducted to evaluate the effect of homoeopathic medicinesZincum metallicum6CH andZ. metallicum12CH on plant growth ofAbelmoschus esculentusL. in a natural environment. This study helps assess and establish the role of homoeopathy in propagating plant growth.Materials and Methods:A. esculentusseeds were cultivated in a designated area of the Homoeopathy University campus. Among these, 30 receivedZincum6CH (20 drops in 1 litre water), while 30 receivedZincum12CH (20 drops in 1 L water) and 30 received normal water. After 60 days, the entire plant was measured for height, pod length and productivity.Results:After 60 days, the number of fruits (plant productivity) in the groups receivingZincum6CH and 12CH was 335 and 267, respectively; in the group receiving normal water, the number of fruits was 159. The heights of plants receivingZincum6CH (M = 48.4 cm, SD=2.65) and 12CH (M = 40.1 cm, SD=2.39) were comparatively more than in plants receiving normal water (M = 31.6 cm SD = 2.26). The length of pods in plants receivingZincum6CH (M=13.3 cm, SD = 0.96) and 12CH (M = 10.3 cm, SD = 0.97) was comparatively more than in plants receiving normal water (M = 8.9 cm SD = 0.62).Conclusion:The application of potentised homoeopathic medicinesZincum6CH and 12CH onA. esculentusdemonstrated a beneficial result, as observed through significant differences in plant productivity, mean plant height and mean pod length among the experimental and control groups.Zincum6CH showed more efficacy than 12CH in all aspects of growth.

In plants, NO has been proved the function of improving abiotic stress resistance. However, the role of NO in the lignin metabolism of okra under cold stress has not been clarified. Here, histochemical staining and lignin content analysis showed that cold stress promoted the lignin accumulation of cold stored okra pods, and NO inhibited the lignin accumulation and delayed lignification process. To better understand the roles of NO in okra cold stress resistance mechanism, the full-length transcriptome data of 'Hokkaido' was analyzed. The SNP-treated okra transcriptome and cPTIO-treated okra transcriptome were obtained. A total of 41957 unigenes were screened out from three groups at 10 d, among which, 33, 78 and 18 DEGs were found in ddH2O-treat, SNP-treat and cPTIO-treat group, respectively. Transcriptomic data suggested that the genes involved in lignin biosynthesis showed downregulation under SNP treatment. Transcriptomic data and enzyme activity showed that exogenous NO significantly promoted the biosynthesis of endogenous NO by enhancing NOS activity. Transcriptomic data and plant hormone data showed that NO played an important role in the process of inhibiting the ethylene and ABA synthesis mechanism of okra and thereby reducing the endogenous ethylene and ABA content under chilling stress. Relevant physiological data showed that NO helped to the protection of ROS scavenging system and removed the MDA and H2O2 induced by cold stress. These results provided a reference for studying the molecular mechanism of nitric oxide delaying the lignification of okra, and also provided a theoretical basis for postharvest storage of vegetables.

Lectins are a cluster of proteins which are capable of recognizing and binding to glycoconjugates and are extensively found in plants, animals, fungi and bacteria. Plant-derived lectins have been gaining importance over the years due to their innumerable biological activities and also have the added possibility of being compatible to the human system while simultaneously exhibiting properties like antimicrobial and antitumor activities. Abelmoschus esculentus (AE) commonly known as okra is a vegetable with medicinal properties. AE extracts are used to treat disorders such as constipation, microbial infection, urine retention, hypoglycemia and inflammation in humans. Previous studies showed that lectin isolated from AE exhibited anti inflammatory, anti nociceptive, anticancer, antioxidant and hemagglutinating activities. However, the antitumor effect of the lectin derived from this plant against neural cancer cells still remains unexplored. Glioblastoma is a malignant tumor of the nervous system. Treatment options for patients afflicted by glioblastoma is limited to surgical resection, preceded by radiation therapy and followed by chemotherapy. Hence it would be of interest to identify novel bio molecules with ability to selectively target glioblastoma with minimum side effects. In this aspect, lectins from vegetables that are commonly used as food products could offer a promising lead as anticancer molecules. The present study proves the anti-proliferative effect of lectin isolated from AE on human U87 glioma cells. MTT assay showed significant concentration dependent cytotoxic activity and the IC50 value was calculated as 21 μg/ml. Further, annexin V/FITC staining by FACS, the expression of caspase 3 and 7 and the circadian genes clock and Bmal1 using RT-PCR and the generation of intracellular ROS, cell cycle analysis by FACS revealed the ability of AEL to induce effective apoptosis.

To study the effect of various planting beds and picking time on yield of okra, a research study was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Malakander, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. Okra seeds of cultivar Swat Green were planted into two different types of sowing methods (ridges and flat beds), and reduced to various number of picking (3, 4, and 5 intervals). The results of the present study revealed that okra plants sown on the ridges recorded maximum germination percentage (96.9%), fruit weight (22.41g), pod length (14.44 cm), seed pod-1 (48), 100 seed weight (6.41 g), seed yield (102.2 kg ha-1) and fresh yield (0.165 tons ha-1). Data regarding number of picking intervals showed that maximum germination percentage (92.7%), fruit weight (20.97 g), pod length (12.25 cm), highest seed yield (103.3 kg ha-1), and seed pod-1 (43) were recorded in 3 pickings. Whereas, data for maximum 100 seed weight (6.6 g) for picking intervals was recorded in 4 pickings and maximum fresh yield (0.148 tons ha-1) in 5 pickings. Infestation of weeds can cause a significant loss in okra yield which needs urgent integrated management. Cyperus rotundus, Echinochloa crusgalli and Digitaria sanguinalis were the main weeds observed during the study against which local farmers used various manual, mechanical and chemical control methods. It is concluded that okra plant sown on ridges and almost 3 picking intervals have significantly affected the growth and seed yield. Excessive use of chemical herbicides should be avoided to prevent environmental and human health hazards.

Estimation the magnitude of heterosis for yield and yield contributing parameters of Okra was conducted. Fifty-four F1 hybrids were generated by line x tester mating design. These F1s along with 21 parents and commercial check (Mhyco-10) were evaluated in a randomized block design with two replications. Analysis of variance with respect to yield and quality characters in parents and hybrids were highly significant. This indicates the existence of high variation in parents and hybrids for different characters studied. Out of 54 cross combinations, seven crosses revealed the significant and positive heterosis over better parent. While 11 crosses showed positive and significant heterosis over economic parent. It is pertinent to mention that the crop has potential to produce the heterotic cross combinations and such crosses can be used for further improvement of this crop. Five crosses, namely L43 × T44, L22 × T36, L22 × T44, L53 × T36 and L31 × T23 were found to be potential for the production of fruit yield per plant and other desired characters. The high heterosis and per se performance was found in hybrid L43 × T44 over both better parents and standard check for fruit yield per plant. This indicates that the cross can be exploited commercially. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(3): 531-540, 2021 (September)

Effects of organic manures and NPK fertilizers on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) plants were evaluated in the net house of the Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka. The experiment was conducted in a randomized design replicated thrice with eighteen treatments involving eight organic manures along with NPK and without NPK fertilizers. Growth parameters viz. plant height, leaf number, leaf area and dry weight of root, stem, leaf and fruits were assessed. The highest height (132.5 cm), leaf number (21.5) and leaf area (412.09 cm2) were found in T9: Shebok 10 ton ha–1 treatment. The highest dry weight of a plant (40.6 g), number of fruits per plant (8) and dry weight of fruit per plant (3.71 g) were found in T11:N30P18K25 kg ha–1 plus ACI 5 ton ha–1 treatment. Maximum protein (25.37%) was achieved in T11, phosphorous (0.481 mg kg–1) in T14 and potassium (4.50 mg kg–1) in T13 treatment. Results varied significantly (p≤0.5). The overall best growth performance and protein content was observed in T9:Shebok 10 ton ha–1 and T11:N30P18K25 kg ha–1 plus ACI 5 ton ha–1 treatment, respectively. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2020, 6(2): 83-88

Abelmoschus esculentus, a plant cultivated in tropical and temperate regions throughout the world, is highly appreciated for its various uses. Its culture encounters difficulties, particularly in Cameroon, due to soil infertility. In order to overcome this difficulty, the use of biological fertilizers in order to regenerate agricultural soils for more production is suggested. Three types of formulations were prepared after in vitro compatibilities tests, T1 (B. amyloliquefaciens and T. harzianum); T2 (B. velezensis and B. amyloliquefaciens) and T3 (B. velezensis and T. harzianum) with the aim of improving soil physicochemical; agromorphological and nutritional profile of okra. The plants were cultivated in 4.5 m² plots, arranged in complete randomized blocks design. ANOVA revealed significant differences between T1treatment and the other treatments and with the T0 control in plant height with the growth rate of 1.144cm/day, fruit length (11.53±0.49cm) and the average weight of fruits per treatment (1868.00±279.45g) at the significance level of P

The field experiment was conducted, in the fields of Hamelmalo Agricultural College, to evaluate the response of sowing-dates and PK (Phosphorous and Potassium) fertilizer levels on phenological aspects, yield and yield components of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L). The experiment was done through a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) where each treatment was replicated three times. The two factors were: sowing-dates which was composed of three sowing dates; namely, middle kiremti (end of July i.e., mid-summer), late kiremti (middle of August- late-summer) and early qewee (early September-early autumn) and P: K fertilizers which was composed of five rates (0kg/ha, 125 kg/ha (75:50), 150 kg/ha (90:60), 175 kg/ha (105:70) and 200 kg/ha (120:80). Results showed that, the highest significant mean values of leaf area (389.4cm2), leaf numbers (28.2) were recorded from middle kiremti sowing date coupled with 320kg/ha and 175kg/ha PK rates respectively. Besides this the highest significant values of both number of fruits (43.8) and total yield (15.26t/ha) were obtained from highest PK rate coupled with late kiremti and middle kiremti respectively. The sole effects of the PK rates as well as the sowing dates were found to be significant on all the parameters mentioned above including individual fruit weight. It is therefore the sowing during late kiremti coupled with application of 200kg/ha kg/ha was the best for getting the best economic returns.

Agricultural activities such as watering crops with nematode-infested water from wells and boreholes, and using infected plant debris as manure or mulch increase root-knot nematode infection. So, this study aims at assessing the influence of the inoculation method and inoculum level of Meloidogyne incognita on the development of root galls on okra plants. Two M. incognita inoculation methods (suspension of individuals and galled root explants) and six inoculum levels (0, 10, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 second-stage larvae/plant) were studied. The gall index, total numbers and reproductive factor of M. incognita were used to assess the effect of treatments on root gall development. Unlike the reproductive factor, gall index and the total numbers of M. incognita increased with their inoculum level. The pathogenic activities of M. incognita were most significant when crop soils were infested with galled root explants. However, an inverse relationship was found between the inoculum levels of M. incognita and the okra plant’s development. It is reflected by negative correlation coefficients ranging from -0.90 to -0.62. It is therefore important to burn roots infected with root-knot nematodes left in fields so that they do not act as an inoculum for crops.

The study was carried out to the effects of different plant densities and nitrogen levels on okra yield and plant development. Field trials were conducted in two locations, the training fields of the Ege University, Ödemiş Research and Training area, and Ege University Faculty of Agriculture, Menemen Research and Training Farm. The field layout was a split-plot design with 3 replicates, where main plots consisted of nitrogen applications and sub-plots of plant densities. Fertilizer was applied in the form of Triple Superphosphate, Potassium Sulfate, Urea and Ammonium Nitrate. Five different nitrogen levels (F1: 0, F2: 40, F3: 80; F4: 120 and F5: 160 kg N ha-1) and two different rows spacing (PD1: 15 cm×70 cm and PD2: 25 cm×70 cm) have been tested. Yield and yield components, plant height at flowering, height of the first fruits, the number of leaves, the number of branches, the number of days from sowing to first flowering, the number of days from sowing to first harvest, plant height, foliation status, total yield, yield of plant, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter have been noted in the field experiments. Total yield ranged from 5923.8 to 12888.9 kg ha-1 at the Ödemiş location, while it was 3363.3-5009.2 kg ha-1 at the Menemen location. In conclusion, the highest yield is taken from F2 in both plant densities in Ödemiş. In Menemen, the highest yield is taken from the dose of F3 (80 kg Nha-1) and F4 (120 kg Nha-1).

This study was carried out in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State. Investigation was carried out on the effects of Fresh Shoot Biomass of Chromolaena odorata on okra Abelmoschus esculentus. For the laboratory experiment, about 5g, 10g, 15g and 20g each of Chromolaena odorata was weighed into plastic bottles each containing 250ml of distilled water for 24 hours. Two millilitres of the leachate was used to water the seeds of okra that was placed in Petri dishes. Each treatment had five replicates that contained four seeds of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). For the screening experiment, loamy top soil, fresh shoot, stems and leaves of Chromolaena odorata were collected within Federal University Oye Ekiti environment and crushed into smaller bits using mortar and pestle. Three seeds, each of okra that was planted in all the pots. The growth variables considered include radicle length, plumule length, number of roots, for the green house experiment the plant height, leaf area, stem girth, and pod weight were also observed. The leachate of Chromolaena odorata resulted to a reduction in radicle length, plumule length and number of roots. The radicle length of okra treated with leachates of 15g/250ml were adversely affected, while the plumule length of 5g/250ml, 15g/250ml and 20g/250ml greatly decreased compared to the control. The highest decrease in number of roots was noticed in the 15g/250ml concentration. The control plant had the highest plant height increased in a concentration dependent manner with exception of those treated with 200g, the leaf area of the control plant was observed to be lower than all the treatment plants, but it increased in a concentration dependent manner. Also, there was a concentration dependent increase in the steam girth of A. esculentus. The pod weight of the treated plants were lower than the control. The plant treated with 50g highest moisture content, the fat content was higher in the control and plant treated with 50g than the other treated plant. The protein content of the treatment plants was observed to be significantly higher when compared to the control plant. Crude fiber content of the treatment plant was significantly higher than the treatment plants. The ash content of the control was significantly lower than the treated plants, the carbohydrate content of the control plant increased significantly compared to the treatment plant with the lowest at 150g treated plant. The study concluded that the leachate and FSB affected the seed germination, growth and the food content of Abelmoschus esculentus.

Weeds produce huge biomass by competing with the main crop for resources has been well established by numerous investigators. The use of weeds, especially aquatic weeds, as an organic source of nutrients such as compost is lacking in the literature. We hypothesized that the use of aquatic weeds i.e. alligator as compost would limit the use of inorganic fertilizers in okra and it would increase the quality of produce. To maximize the effect of inorganic nutrients, it would be easier to use the alligator weed compost as a natural source of nutrients. The crop was sown on 22 July, 2017 and 20 July, 2018 in a randomized complete block design having four replications. The net plot size was 1.8 m x 6 m. The alligator weed compost along with NPK was applied at the time of sowing. Alligator weed compost was applied along with different combinations of NPK i.e. control (recommended dose of NPK 159-114-93 kg ha-1 ), compost application of 250 kg ha-1 , compost application of 500 kg ha-1 , compost application of 250 kg ha-1 with 75% recommended NPK, compost application of 250 kg ha-1 with 50% recommended NPK, compost application of 250 kg ha-1 with 25% recommended NPK, compost application of 500 kg ha-1 compost with 75% recommended NPK, compost application of 500 kg ha-1 with 50% recommended NPK and compost application of 500 kg ha-1 with 25% recommended NPK. Compost application of 250 kg ha-1 with 50% recommended NPK significantly reduced the number of days to flowering and increased plant height (cm) at flowering and plant maturity over the alone NPK and other combinations of compost and NPK. Pod yield and yield components were outclassed by the compost application of 250 kg ha-1 with 50% recommended NPK over the other combinations. For example, number of pods per plant and pod yield (t ha-1 ) were increased by 26%, 20%, respectively averaged across during both years of study over the recommended dose of NPK alone. Similarly, application of compost at 500 kg ha-1 along with NPK 50% of recommended dose enhanced pod potassium and ascorbic acid contents by 76% and 35%, respectively averaged across during both years of study over the control dose of NPK. Conclusively, alligator weed organic source of nutrients could reduce NPK fertilizers as it holds the nutrients applied and also provides the essential nutrients. In future climates, alligator weed compost would be a sustainable and environment friendly approach.

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)-transmitted begomoviruses cause severe diseases in numerous economically important dicotyledonous plants. Okra enation leaf curl disease (OELCuD) has emerged as a serious threat to okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) cultivation in the Indian subcontinent. This study reports the association of a monopartite begomovirus (bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus; BYVMV) and betasatellite (bhendi yellow vein mosaic betasatellite; BYVB) with OELCuD in the Mau region of Uttar Pradesh, India. The BYVMV alone inoculated Nicotiana benthamiana and A. esculentus cv. Pusa Sawani plants developed mild symptoms. Co-inoculation of BYVMV and BYVB resulted in a reduced incubation period, an increased symptom severity, and an enhanced BYVMV accumulation by Southern hybridization and quantitative real-time PCR. This is the first study that satisfies Koch’s postulates for OELCuD in its natural host. Activities of various antioxidative enzymes were significantly increased in the virus-inoculated okra plants. Differential responses in various biochemical components (such as photosynthetic pigments, phenol, proline, and sugar) in diseased okra plants were observed. This change in phytochemical responses is significant in understanding its impact on virus pathogenesis and disease development.

A novel acidic polysaccharide named AeP-P-1 was prepared from

Obesity is characterized by excessive fat accumulation owing to an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. The suppression of lipid accumulation and the promotion of white adipose tissue (WAT) browning, which increases energy expenditure, may protect against obesity. Here, we demonstrate that okra complex (OKC) significantly reduces the body and WAT mass of mice by inhibiting adipogenesis and lipogenesis. We also show that OKC administration reduces fasting blood glucose and serum cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) concentrations and ameliorates liver steatosis in HFD-fed obese mice. In addition, OKC activates the protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway, which increases lipolysis; and induces the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-mediated "browning" of WAT. These findings demonstrate that OKC has potentially beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and upregulates thermogenesis, which implies that it may be useful for the therapy and/or prevention of obesity and related metabolic diseases.

Climate change, pesticide resistance, and the need for developing new plant varieties have galvanized biotechnologists to find new solutions in order to produce transgenic plants. Over the last decade scientists are working on green metallic nanoparticles to develop DNA delivery systems for plants. In the current study, green Iron nanoparticles were synthesized using leaf extract of Camellia sinensis (green tea) and Iron Chloride (FeCl3), the characterization and Confirmation was done using UV–VIS Spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, and TEM. Using these nanoparticles, a novel method of gene transformation in okra plants was developed, with a combination of different Magnetofection factors. Maximum gene transformation efficiency was observed at the DNA to Iron-nanoparticles ratio of 1:20, by rotation of mixture (Plasmid DNA, Iron-nanoparticles, and seed embryo) at 800 rpm for 5 h. Using this approach, the transformation of the GFP (green fluorescent protein) gene was successfully carried out in Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra plant). The DNA transformation was confirmed by observing the expression of transgene GFP via Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope (LSCM) and PCR. This method is highly economical, adaptable, genotype independent, eco-friendly, and time-saving as well. We infer that this approach can be a potential solution to combat the yield and immunity challenges of plants against pathogens.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculenthus) is a vegetable plant consumed in immature and tender texture fruits. Crosses of local okra with introduced varieties are carried out to improve the character of the local cultivars. This study aimed to assess the variability of agronomic characters, both quantitative and qualitative characters of various families of the F2 populations and select superior families that can be used to produce new cultivars. The F2 population was derived from inbreeding and selection of the crosses between local okra cultivars with B291 and Ve022 as introduced cultivars. The study used an experimental method with an individual observation. Qualitative characters were described based on the descriptor by IBPGR, while quantitative characters were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed variation in each F2 family in plant height, the number of flowers per plant and the number of fruits per plant, except for SOMB291-16. FOHVE022-8, FOHB291-15, FOHVE022-17, SOMB291-23 and SOMB291-24 families could be selected due to the extended picking time were in line with the increase of fruit quality. A broad variability of quantitative characters was found for all characters, indicating a high opportunity to obtain valuable traits and desirable segregants in F2 populations. Variations in qualitative characters were found in stem color, leaf shape, fruit color and fruit shape. The selection of plants with specific characters could be maintained with inbreeding or self-pollinated desirable segregants.

The heterosis and combining ability studies were conducted by utilizing modified Line X Tester mating design involving 6 Lines and 9 testers of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]. The breeding material involving fifty four F1 hybrids along with 15 parents with one commercial check were evaluated during Kharif 2020 in a Randomized Block Design (R.B.D.) with three replications at Research Centre of Goldking Biogene Private Limited with an aim to estimate the magnitude of heterosis and to identify the good parents and good hybrid combinations for pod yield and other quantitative traits. Among the parents GKOF-1, GKOF-5 and GOM-7 were found to be good general combiners for pod yield per plot. Among the lines GKOF-3, GKOF-4 and GKOF-6 and testers GKOM-4, GKOM-5, GKOM-7 and GKOM-9 were found to be involved in exhibiting significant sca effects for almost all characters. Among the crosses GKOF-2 X GKOM-5, GKOF-1 X GKOM-8 and GKOF-6 X GKOM-7 exhibited high per se performance for pod yield per plot. Further the cross GKOF-1 X GKOM-7, GKOF-4 X GKOM-9 and GKOF-6 X GKOM-4 revealed highest positively significant sca effects for pod yield per plot.

The experiment entitled “Efficacy of different types of Composts on growth, yield and quality parameters of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. Kashi Pragati” was conducted during Rabi season of the year 2020-2021 on experimental farm of Department of Horticulture, AKS University, Satna (M.P.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replicated 12 treatments viz., T0: Without compost (Control), T1: 100% Vermicompost + 100% Biogas slurry compost, T2: 100% Vermicompost + 100% Mushroom Spent compost, T3: 100% Biogas slurry compost + 100% Mushroom Spent compost, T4: 100% Vermicompost + 100% Biogas slurry compost +100% Mushroom Spent compost, T5: 100% Vermicompost + 50% Biogas slurry compost, T6: 100% Vermicompost + 50% Mushroom Spent compost, T7: 100% Biogas slurry compost + 50% Vermicompost, T8: 100% Biogas slurry compost + 50% Mushroom Spent compost, T9: 100% Mushroom Spent compost + 50% Vermicompost, T10: 100% Mushroom Spent compost + 50% Biogas slurry compost, T11: 50% Vermicompost + 50% Biogas slurry compost +50% Mushroom Spent compost. The results reveal that increase in Composts level had significant response on vegetative growth yield and quality of Okra. The treatment T4-100%Vermicompost +100% Biogas slurry compost +100% Mushroom Spent compost was found to be the best treatment among the different treatments with growth, yield and quality for Okra under satna condition.

The outbreaks and quick spread of severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have badly affected the whole world due to continuous emergence-and-transmission of the latest-new viral-genomes forming new-variants revealing patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak-and-global-pandemic with badly affecting advanced-medical-science-technology-communication-agriculture-agronomy-plant-breeding-horticulture, health-environment-socio-economy, and different-issues. India's emphasis on okra, the ‘Nature's-Gift to Human-Disease-Free-Healthy-Life’ and the most ‘Economically-Important-Number-One-Consumption Vegetable-Crops’ is destroyed by various-diseases causing pathogens like the root-knot (RK)-diseases caused by the nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood, and easily checked by many chemical-pesticides. But it causes different carcinogenic effects on the environment and our life. So it is an urgent need to develop potential biomedicines. The pretreatments with ultra-high-diluted-biomedicines (UHDBMs) Gall 200C and Nematode 200C, prepared from okra-root-galls (ORG) and nematode-females (NF) respectively, applied by foliar spray@ 20 ml/plant, are highly effective against the root-knot-disease of okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench Cv. Ankur-40, with the increasing growth of plants and fruits-production. The UHDBMs-Gall 200C is more effective than the Nematode 200C. Both the pretreatments-UHDBMs are responsible for induce-systemic-acquired-defense-response of the pretreated-plants through the expression of pathogenesis-related (PR)-proteins-genes (22-14 numbers), which are more or less similar-molecular-range (295kD-11kD) of many coronavirus, which will be responsible for preventing-RK and COVID-19 like virus-diseases by inducing-defense-resistance or increasing innate-immunity respectively, and advanced in medical-science, technology, communication, agriculture, agronomy, plant breeding, horticulture, health, environment, socio-economy, and different application-issues with pollution-free globe, developing new-preventive typical-biomedical vaccines or treatments methods or drug development and research against the ‘21st-Century Global Pandemic COVID-19 like Any Viral Diseases’ which lead to optimal contributions to the field of policymaking drug and vaccine development emphasizing new or important aspects of the study, and synthetic production of UHDBMs will be more practical implications, and social implications in the future research. And the farmers and the world would be benefitted most; by collecting and uprooting gall-roots after harvesting for cost-effective bio-controlling plant-diseases, and profit from shelling-and-buying of whole plants, fruits, and gall-roots also, and helps for the benefit of global health by developing the most cost-effective, personalized, non-toxic, easily-preparable, easily-maintainable, easily-available and suppliable, vaccines or treatments methods from their own product.

Bean and okra are common vegetables cultivated in the most regions of Sri Lanka. The seeds of these crops are mainly stored in cold storage as bulk before releasing retail lots to sales outlets. Commercial growers and gardeners buy seeds in bulk or in packages at retail stores. Although certified seeds are frequently tested by the seed testing laboratories, they do not guarantee the maximum field emergence. Certified seed lots of two pole bean varieties, ‘Keppetipola Nil’ (KN) and ‘Bandarawela Green’ (BG) and two okra varities,’MI-5’ and ‘Haritha’ were stored in poly sack and polypropylene bags under controlled temperature (17±1 °C) and relative humidity (RH) (52-55%) over a two-year period. Bulk seeds of bean and okra varieties packed in polypropylene and poly sack bags depicted a high germination percentage throughout the storage period for two years. Seed quality parameters, seed germination, seed moisture, field emergence and vigour index significantly varied with the storage duration and declined in varieties. Significant differences in moisture, field emergence and vigour index were recognized as affected by the packing materials in all varieties except MI-5. Both Poly sack and polypropylene packing materials were found suitable to maintain viability at the minimum seed certification standards for two years of storage period. Poly sack was more appropriate than polypropylene to keep viability for more than 2 years of storage under low temperature and RH condition. These findings would help seed handlers including seed producers and seed sellers to store crop seeds between growing seasons in the tropical environment.

Particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) method was used in this present research to identify the elements present in selected vegetable samples to show the possible influence in the metal absorption by the vegetables grown in a saline region of Rampal area of Munshiganj District, Bangladesh. The data acquisition setup is calibrated using a 2.5-MeV proton beam in the current ranges of 5nA to 15nA. The detector was used to measure the X-rays emitted during the irradiation. Data acquisition system MAESTRO-32 was used to measure the spectrum picks, and concentration calculation has been done by GUPIX/DAN-32 software. The purpose of this study is to determine the concentration of heavy and trace elements in these samples and to give current information on their safety for consumption. The result shows that K, Ca, and Fe have the highest concentrations, while lead exhibits the lowest but alarming rates compared to reference materials. The findings were likened to IAEA-V-10, IAEA-359, SRM 1515 (apple leaf), and SRM 1573a (tomato leaf). The outcomes of the present investigation demonstrate that these samples are not devoid of health risks in intake.

In the present investigation, the four cross combinations of Punjab Padmini X Panruti local, Dharmapuri local X Panruti local, Punjab Padmini X Parbanikranthi and Dharmapuri local X Parbanikranthi and three bhendi populations, BIP, F2, and F3, were developed in 2019, and these populations were evaluated in 2020 to determine the extent of genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance for twelve bhendicharacters. Significant variances in BIP compared to the population of F2 and F3 in most characters have been noted that showed high mean and wider variations in PCV and GCV in fruit length, number of fruits per plant and plant yield. High heritability of BIPS was revealed by Punjab Padmini x Parbanikranthi for the traits viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth and fruit yield per plant which revealed the importance of additive gene action for these traits. This is indicative of both additive and non-additive gene action (dominance and epistasis). Hence, selection could not be practiced in the immediate segregating generations. These two characters also showed unfavourable association with fruit yield per plant in BIPs which indicated that all the unfavourable linkages were not broken down through intermating in the early segregating generation. Thus, selection should be postponed to later generations after intermating in one or two subsequent to obtain potential recombinants.

Background: Okra mucilage is highly viscous with good binding properties in tablets. Pregelatinized starches have significantly improved flow properties but produce tablets of poor mechanical strength.Objective: Preliminary evaluation of co-processed excipients of Okra mucilage and pregelatinized potato starch as directly-compressible excipients.Methods: Polymers were characterized for morphology (SEM), crystallinity (FT-IR) and flow properties. Coprocessed excipients were developed with Okra mucilage and pregelatinized potato starch at different ratios of starch: mucilage (95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, 70:30), using the co-fusion method. The flow, packing and compaction properties of the co-processed excipients were evaluated using density measurements, angle of repose, angle of internal friction, Kawakita model, consolidation index (C) and consolidation rate (K).Results: Larger agglomerates of the co-processed excipients indicated formation of a new polymer. FT-IR spectra showed retention of all the major peaks of individual polymers. Okra mucilage imparted swelling while starch improved flow in the co-processed excipients (Hausner’s ratio 1.12-1.20). Values from Kawakita plots revealedcohesiveness and compressibility were imparted to the co-processed excipients (a = 0.300–0.329; b = 0.078–0.361) suggesting good compactibility. Consolidation index and rate were observed to increase with Okra mucilage content, implying improved rate of packing as well as enhanced flow (C = 0.566-1.389; K = 0.123-0.424). The batch containing starch: mucilage 70:30 gave the best properties of good flow, cohesiveness and compactibility, essential parameters required in directly-compressible excipients.Conclusion: The co-processed excipients of Okra mucilage and pregelatinized potato starch could therefore be used as excipients for direct compression in tablet formulations.

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley is one of the most important insect pests that infested many important economic crops all over the world. The insect was recorded for the first time on the okra plants at the inception of March during the season of 2019 on the farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University, Qena. Results of both seasons showed that the highest weekly population count of P. solenopsis was found during the first week of June. The highest percentages of the total monthly mean count were found to be 37.87and 39.56%, in June during the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. In addition, it has three generations per season under field conditions. The impact of some biotic and abiotic factors influencing the enumeration of P. solenopsis was studied. One species of wasp, Aenasius arizonensis (Girault) has been recorded as a parasitoid on P. solenopsis. The parasitism rate reached 12.31% during the first season. The predation rate reached 4.55% and it was attributed to the Nephus includens (Kirsch). Under laboratory conditions, the biology studies of P. solenopsis (Tinsley) were carried out on the sprouted potato plants. The results of the various biological factors recorded that the female fertility rate ranged between (310 to 650 eggs/female), which increases the survival rate. The female longevity reached (27.23±2.35 days) and the total life cycle ranged from 39-55 days. Accordingly, the information obtained from this study leads to the selection of appropriate means of management during the active reproductive period of P. solenopsis.

Vegetables, drinking water, and preserved meats may contain sodium nitrite (NaNO2), which causes liver disease by inducing oxidative stress. Phytochemicals are highly recommended as an alternative to synthetic drugs and affordable medicines to treat liver disease because they have fewer or no side effects. Therefore, this study aims to determine the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of red okra fruit ethanol extract against NaNO2-induced liver damage. Thirty-six male mice were separated into six groups. The normal control group (WA) was given distilled water only, and the NaNO2 (SN) group was given only 50 mg/kg BW NaNO2. The other four groups (P1, P2, P3, and P4) were given NaNO2 and red okra ethanol extract at doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg BW, respectively. Gavage was administered orally for 21 consecutive days. Commercial kits define all biochemical parameters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Liver tissue staining followed standard protocols using hematoxylin and eosin. The study revealed that NaNO2 induction causes oxidative stress and damages the liver. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) significantly increased in the groups treated (P2–P4) with ethanol extract of red okra ( p < 0.05 ). Besides, the oxidants (malondialdehyde, F2-isoprostanes, and nitric oxide) in the liver homogenate significantly decreased in the P4 group, which were given red okra ethanol extract ( p < 0.05 ). Likewise, red okra pods decreased significantly for the serum biochemical parameters of liver damage (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase) in the P3 and P4 groups ( p < 0.05 ). Then, it led to a restoration of the histological structure compared to exposed mice (SN), as the pathological scores decreased significantly in the P3 and P4 groups ( p < 0.05 ), as well as the number of the necrotic and swollen liver cells was reduced. Hepatocytes returned to normal. The results showed that the ethanol extract of red okra fruit could be helpful as an affordable medicine. It is an antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent to protect the liver from damage caused by NaNO2.

Effect of Organic Manures and Liquid Formulations on Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra Arka Anamika

Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) was done using Abelmoschus esculentus extract as the capping and reducing agent and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) as the selenium source. UV-Vis spect...

Meloidogyne incognita is a plant pathogen causing root-knot nematodes disease in many crops worldwide. Due to the environmental threat on the use of chemical fumigants, there is a need for a biological control method using microbial antagonists on root-knot nematodes disease. Therefore, this study was conducted to screen and evaluate the biocontrol potential of P. fluorescens strains against root-knot nematodes. The effectiveness of six P. fluorescens strains viz., Pf1, Pf2, Pf3, Pf4, Pf5and Pf6 were tested in vitro and also in pots experiment for their inhibitory activities and biocontrol potential against root-knot nematodes disease caused by Meloidogyne incognita on okra plant. Treatments of the nematode with 1.0-6.0% concentrations of 108 CFU/mL of Pf4 and Pf5 strains caused 70.0-95.0% inhibition on nematode egg-hatch and 2nd stage juveniles activity. Pf3, Pf4 and Pf5showed a decrease in the number of roots galling with increased root and shoot dry weights of stressed okra plant. Moreover, there was 25.99-36.43%, 37.76-79.145% and 42.62-62.37%, 69.83-98.09% increase in shoot length and leaf areas after 15th and 30th day respectively of P. fluorescens inoculation. The inoculated okra plants exhibited higher photosynthetic pigments, higher antioxidant enzymes activity and mineral contents than the nematode treated groups. Higher mineral contents were observed in the roots than the leaves of the okra plant subjected to the nematode infection. The bacteria strains especially Pf4 and Pf3 have considerable potential to reduce the menace of the nematodes in the treated okra plant. Therefore, the strains can be used for crop management against root-knot nematodes disease.

The present study was undertaken to find the yield gap through FLDs on okra crop. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Banswara conducted Frontline demonstration on 10 farmers for each year since 2016, 2017 and 2018 in different locations of Banswara district. Frontline demonstrations were conducted on okra by the active participation of the farmers with the objective of improved technologies of okra production potential. Use of hybrid variety, balanced use of fertilizer on the basis soil testing report and integrated pest and disease management etc are the main technologies to be tested in this demonstration. Okra is a major vegetable crop of Rajasthan, but the productivity of okra is very low in this district due to lack of knowledge and partial adoption of recommended package of practice by okra cultivators. Results showed that average yield obtained were 142.6, 134.2 and 137.7 q/ha under improved system, whereas, in local variety 80.3, 81.7 and 87.3 q/ha yield was recorded during 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. The per cent increase in yield with high yielding over local variety was 57.73 to 77.58 per cent. The extension gap recorded was 62.3, 52.5 and 50.4 per cent during 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. Besides this, the demonstrated plots gave higher gross return, net return with higher benefit cost ratio when compared to farmer’s practice.