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Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Saliva is a biological fluid that plays many roles, such as cleansing, lubrication, mucosal integrity, buffering, remineralization, digestion, and antimicrobial activity. Xerostomia is a clinical condition characterized by the sensation of dry mouth. Patients with chronic or temporary dry mouth sensations require treatment to relieve symptoms. Synthesis of artificial saliva is important for this purpose. The as-prepared artificial saliva closely resembled natural saliva. However, locally manufactured salivary substitutes are of porcine origin. Therefore, it is necessary to synthesize saliva from a substance with a quality similar to that of mucin. This study aimed to synthesize artificial saliva using the edible herb, Abelmoschus esculentus. In this study, the minerals and antimicrobial substances present in human saliva were replaced by adding different salts and beneficial components in Abelmoschus esculentus. Viscosity, pH, surface tension, relative density, UV-vis absorbance, FTIR, and wetting time were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 spectrum confirmed the formation of Se-NPs in the solution. According to the XRD pattern, the average particle size was estimated to be about 30.7 nm. The TEM images shown the spherical shape of Se-NPs. The antimycobacterial effects of Se-NPs were tested against the standard strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37RV) and Mycobacterium simiae isolates. Antibacterial impacts were examined through the usage of resazurin microtiter assay (REMA) against bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There were no significant abilities to be reported from the Se-NPs for combating M. tuberculosis H37Rv and M. simiae strains. Based on the results, the nanoparticles displayed stronger antibacterial activities towards the Gram-positive bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a notorious pathogen of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) from the family Malvaceae. This investigation was planned to corroborate the damaging impact of M. incognita on growth parameters of different varieties of okra. Seeds of ten different varieties of okra were taken and sown in earthen pots containing sterilized soil. There were five replications for each variety along with control. Approximately 1000 freshly hatched juveniles of M. incognita were applied on okra seedlings after three weeks of seed germination. Harvesting was done after 60 days of inoculation and different plant growth and nematode reproduction parameters were recorded. Significant differences of growth parameters were observed among all the varieties of okra. The variety Kiran showed maximum number of galls, egg masses and females with lowest number of fruits and other growth parameters except root weight while Anarkali showed minimum number of galls with better growth parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock phosphate (RP) is being considered as a phosphorus (P) source for reversing soil fertility depletion in Sub-saharan Africa. We are undertaking research to evaluate organic or inorganic materials to be combined with RP to enhance P availability. Field trials were conducted at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan in 2001 and 2002 to evaluate the comparative effects of urea (U) and poultry manure (PM) on solubilization of rock phosphate and on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench). Okra growth and yield were significantly enhanced by the addition of the treatments. The combined use of RP with either PM and to a lesser degree U, significantly improved the growth and yield of okra compared to when the materials were used individually. Application of RP + U and RP + PM increased available soil P of between 112 and 115% and 144 and 153%, respectively in both year. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Wide variability does not exist in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench], requiring induction of genetic variability. Mutagenesis creates desired variability among genotypes without altering the agronomic base which is sometimes difficult to induce using other breeding methods. Seed germination/seedling emergence and seedling growth were evaluated under laboratory and field conditions by imposing 300 to 1000 Gy (Gray, the SI unit of radiation) gamma radiation to determine median lethal (LD50) and median growth reduction (GR50) doses with Co60gamma rays. The LD50 and GR50 doses varied for both growing conditions. More than 80% of seed exposed to the LD50 dose of gamma radiation in the laboratory did not emerge under field condition. The LD50 and GR50 doses of gamma radiation determined under field condition exhibited close correspondence and presented a reliable picture regarding lethality and injury in the M1 generation (the first generation from the irradiated seed). The R2 for the linear model for seedling emergence, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of seedlings under field condition were 0.908, 0.902, 0.911, 0.983 and 0.972, respectively. Determination of the LD50/GR50 is important to optimize the radiation dose to isolate desired utilizable mutants. Dose optimization should be determined through use of LD50 and GR50 under field condition. The gamma radiation dose between 350 Gy and 450 Gy was optimum to create desirable mutants in okra. The optimal dose could induce a higher rate of mutation with little biological damage in succeeding generations of okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive use of nanoparticles (NPs) in various industrial and household products pose a threat of their release into the environment. Plants being sessile are prone to be directly affected by these nanomaterials in polluted soils, which may represent possible risks to food safety and human health. In the present study, we compared the phytotoxic effects of metal oxide NPs namely nickel oxide (NiO), copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs at four varying concentrations (100, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/L) on in-vitro grown seedlings of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra). All the NPs tested demonstrated a suppressed plant growth in a concentration-dependent manner which was evidenced from the repression of shoot and root length. A decrease in chlorophyll content was recorded in the NP-treated plants. Anthocyanin contents, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were significantly altered in the NP-treated plants. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was monitored in the roots of NP-treated plants using 4-nitro blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) and 3, 3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining, demonstrated an increase in ROS production in a dose-dependent manner in plants exposed to all three NPs. Enhanced ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) production was recorded in A. esculentus seedlings when exposed to NPs. Among the three metal oxide NPs compared in the study, NiO NPs were found to be more toxic than CuO and ZnO ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient malnourishment is a problem in developing countries, most especially among women and preschool children. Breeding okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench] for high seed contents of micronutrients in a high pod yielding background may contribute to correcting this problem. This requires evaluating micronutrients association with agro-morphological and seed elemental traits. Field evaluations were conducted with 20 okra landraces during 2016 and 2017 at Abeokuta, Nigeria. Genotypic correlation, regression and path analyses were performed to determine key driving traits of high pod yield, and seed iron and zinc contents. There were significant differences in landraces in the agronomic and nutritional traits. Correlation analysis indicated a positive, significant, relationship between plant height at flowering and maturity, and number of seed per pod with pod yield. Regression analysis indicated number of pods per plant was the most important trait for pod yield improvement as it retained the highest coefficient of determination. Path analysis identified tall plants with more pods be used for improvement of pod yield. Heavier seed should be used for improvement of seed iron content, seed magnesium and potassium contents should be targeted to achieve seed zinc content improvement. Plant height and number of pods per plant should be focused on in improvement of pod yield in okra. The 100-seed weight could serve as a major selection criterion to achieve increased seed iron content. Determination of other yield-related, and nutritional, traits might provide additional insight into improving pod yield and seed elemental minerals in okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water deficit in semi-arid areas is a limiting factor affecting crop production and quality. The Middle East suffers from low rainfall and high temperatures. Foliar fertilization with Tecamin max®, compensates for nutrient deficiency by roots due to water deficit. The water soluble fertilizer Tecamin max® was applied to foliage to determine effects on morphological traits of the okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench], cvs. Samara and Ptira, under water deficit. There were irrigation levels of 50 and 100% based on field capacity, and concentrations of Tecamin max® (0, 2.5 and 5.0 mL∙L−1). 'Samara' had the tallest plants (115.50 cm), most leaves/plant (~ 31), longest time to flowering (30.44 days), most fruit/plant (51.38) and highest total yield (1.120 kg∙m−2). The 100% irrigation level produced values for plant height (107.66 cm), number of branches/plant (12.72), number of leaves/plant (29.77), total leaf area (492.00 dm2/plant), number of fruit/plant (46.27), and total yield (0.982 kg∙m−2) that were higher than for the 50% level. The 2.5 mL∙L−1 application of Tecamin max® produced plants that were 110.75 cm tall, having 14.25 branches/plant, a total leaf area of 529.33 dm2/plant, ~ 48 fruit/plant and total yield of 1.056 kg∙m−2 that were greater than for the other treatments. Foliar application of Tecamin max®, regardless of cultivar, improves vegetative growth under normal, and water deficit, conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought causes severe reduction in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] yield. However, the impact of drought on okra physiology has been impeding breeding where relative degrees of tolerance need to be quantified. The okra, cv. NHAe 47-4, was exposed to 25, 50, 75, or 100% field capacity (FC) to impose water deficit for 5 or 10 days, at the vegetative (V), vegetative and reproductive (VR), or reproductive (R) stages, and effects on growth and yield, leaf relative water content (LRWC), leaf photosynthetic pigments, proline, and cysteine accumulation assessed. Simulated drought reduced LRWC, leaf chlorophyll content, biomass accumulation, and okra growth compared to the control (100% FC). The effect was more severe on plants subjected to water deficit of 10 days duration at vegetative and reproductive stages at 25% FC. Plants treated at the vegetative stage alone recovered faster than those treated at the reproductive stage alone and treatment at the two stages together. After recovery, plants exposed to water deficit at the vegetative stage alone produced more chlorophyll than the control. Okra plants exposed to water deficit produced more proline, cysteine, and carotenoids than untreated plants, with the least recorded in control, and the response varied based on duration and different FC at every growth stage. The highest values for proline and carotenoids were at 25% FC for 10 days duration at every growth stage. Plants exposed to water deficit produced more fruit than the control, especially those exposed at the vegetative stage only. Under prolonged water deficit for 10 days at the vegetative stage, there was 90.95, 70.80, and 131.18% increase in fruit yield at 25, 50, and 75% FC, respectively, compared to the control. Soil water maintained at 75% FC throughout the growing period enhanced fruit production compared to other field capacities including control. Okra response depends on water deficit severity, duration, and growth stage. Production of proline and carotenoid could be a strategy employed by okra plants for tolerance under water deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of productive and nonproductive water loss of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is essential during water scarcity, and for assessing links between yield and water use. The study was conducted using subsurface drip irrigation to evaluate okra transpiration and evaporation using the SIMDualKc Model. The model computed soil evaporation was 132.89 and 157.84 mm, respectively, whereas transpiration was 381.22 and 340.36 mm in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Pod yield of okra was 12.1 and 12.5 t∙ha−1; dry biomass above ground was 5.7 and 4.9 t∙ha−1 in 2016 and 2017. Biomass above ground and fresh pod yield of okra indicates that high water deficit before harvesting pods causes a depression in fresh fruit yield and decreases total pod yield. Several water deficit occurrences during the growing period lowers total transpiration and adversely impacts okra dry biomass above ground. The SIMDualKc Model is capable of quantifying evaporation, transpiration and other water balance components. It is an effective tool for assessing and predicting the impact of water deficit on plant development and yield and can be used to identify the correct irrigation strategy for maximizing crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Increased oxidative stress has been shown to play an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) has been reported to possess many important biological properties. We undertook in vivo studies on male Wistar rats to examine the antioxidative potential of okra in normal and alloxan-treated diabetic rats. Okra extract was administered to control and diabetic rats for 35 consecutive days. Erythrocyte plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) activity (p < 0.05), erythrocytes lipid peroxidation (MDA) (p < 0.01), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) (p < 0.001), increased by 153%, 31%, and 290%, respectively, in response to alloxan treatment, while intracellular reduced glutathione (p < 0.001) and total antioxidant potential of plasma in terms of Ferric reducing ability (FRAP) (p < 0.01) decreased by 75% and 22%, respectively, on alloxan treatment. Okra supplementation provided protection to the rats against alloxan-induced changes. Based on the present results, we hypothesize that okra has strong antioxidative potential and may be used as a dietary supplementation in diabetes for prevention of oxidative stress-mediated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four okra cultivars [Abelmoschus esculentus(L.) Moench] were cultivated for two growing periods at nitrogen (N) application rates of 150, 300 and 450 mg N L−1. There was no effect of N on pod size (length and diameter) or on the number of seeds per pod and seed size (mean 1000 seed weight), all these characteristics of which related to the genotype. High N application (450 mg N L−1), increased the seed yield of the cultivar with the lowest flower induction (Boyiatiou), but only in experiment 2. In Veloudo, seed yield was highest at 300 mg N L−1, whereas in Pylaias and Clemson 450 mg N L−1reduced seed yield. In all cultivars, seeds produced at an N rate of 450 mg N L−1exhibited a significantly higher percent germination N, possibly by reducing the incidence of seed hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There is little work on the bioefficacy of mineral oil on management of whitefly in vegetable crops. The bioefficacy of mineral oil, a safer material than synthetic chemical pesticides, was determined against whiteflyBemisia tabaci(Gennadius) on okra [Abelmoschus esculentus(L.) Moench]. Laboratory and pot culture studies were conducted to test the bioefficacy of mineral oil alone or in combination with other materials against whitefly on okra. A 2% concentration of mineral oil + neem oil and mineral oil +Pongamia glabraseed oil produced 95% and 93.33% mortality at 48 h after treatment under laboratory conditions. In pot culture, 2% concentrations of mineral oil + neem oil and mineral oil +Pongamia glabraseed oil were effective againstB. tabaciwith a mean population reduction of 81.83% and 81.52%, respectively. Foliar application of up to 5% mineral oil on okra produced no phytotoxicity on 30- and 45-day-old plants. However, mineral oil at 7%, 10%, 15%, and 20% produced injury to tips and surfaces of leaves with a rating of 2.0, 2.0, 3.33, and 6.33 on 30-day-old plants and 2.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0 on 45-day-old plants, respectively. Mineral oil at 3% and 5% concentrations did not cause phytotoxicity. Laboratory experiments conducted on the safety of mineral oil and its combinations for the predatorChrysoperla carnea(Stephens) eggs and grubs indicated that all mineral oil–based treatments were safe with negligible negative effects on hatching of eggs 89%–93.5% hatching and minimum grub mortality of 3.33%–16.67%. Mineral oil in combination with either neem oil orPongamia glabraseed oil is efficacious in checking the whitefly population; furthermore, it is not phytotoxic and is safer for its common predatorChrysoperla carnea(Stephens). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh leaf samples ofNicotiana plumbaginifolia, Wedelia chinensis, Cassia toraandJatropha curcas,and flowers ofW. chinensis, Catharanthus roseusandCalendula officinaliswere evaluated for their hatching inhibitory and juvenile mortality potential and to ascertain their role as organic amendment for the management of root-knot nematode,Meloidogyne incognitaaffecting Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). Four concentration levels i.e. S, S/2, S/10 and S/100 of aqueous leaf and flower extracts of test plants were prepared. All the extracts showed varied but significant results over control (Distilled water). The “S” concentration of aqueous flower extracts ofC. officinalisandW. chinensisexhibited 100% mortality after 24?h exposure period. Similarly, larval hatching was completely inhibited by “S” concentration of extracts of all the tested plants exceptC. toraafter five days of exposure period. All the flower extracts andN. plumbaginifolialeaf extract showed complete suppression atS/2 concentration. Increased dilution showed a direct effect on hatching but an inverse effect on mortality. The juvenile mortality increased with increase in exposure period. In pot trial studies, application of all the samples significantly enhanced the plant growth and decreased the host infestation byM. incognitaover control. Among all the treatments, flowers of C. officinalisand leaves ofJatropha curcusproved to be the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus(L.)Moench] germplasm is mainly by seed storage in gene banks. Efficient management of seed collections, especially under tropical conditions, requires the ability to quantify and predict seed viability during storage. To quantify longevity of okra seed for purposes of viability prediction, two controlled deterioration (CD) experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, seed of six accessions of okra were stored at 45°C and 60% relative humidity (RH), and germination determined at 0, 3, 5, 10, 20 35, 50, 70, and 100 days to estimate probit seed longevity parameters. Mean probit seed longevity (P50) was 102.59 ± 38.21 days, indicating that okra seed are long-lived compared to a longevity marker species,Brassica napus(L.). In the second experiment, constants of a model for predicting viability were determined for okra seed stored for 300 days at 45°C and 2.19 to 12.9% seed moisture content (MC). The fit of log σ and log MC wasR2= 0.90 when log σ data for okra seed dried below 4.09% MC were not included in the fit. Estimates of derived viability constants wereKE= 6.659 andCW= 2.448. Estimated viability constants should be used for viability predictions under typical tropical ambient storage and practical gene bank storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes the preparation and evaluation of mucoadhesive microspheres, using Abelmoschus esculentus polysaccharide as a novel carrier for safe and effective delivery of rizatriptan benzoate into nasal cavity. The polysaccharide was extracted from the fruit of A. esculentus and mucoadhesive microspheres were prepared by emulsification, followed by crosslinking using epichlorohydrin. Prepared microspheres were evaluated for size, morphology, swelling properties, mucoadhesive strength, encapsulation efficiency and drug release. Microspheres were found to release 50% of drug within 15 min and rest of the drug was released within 60 min. The drug release was found to decrease with increasing concentration of polysaccharide. To determine the retention time of the microspheres in the nasal cavity of rabbits, the microspheres were radiolabelled with 99mTc and subjected to gamma scintigraphy. The results showed a significant improvement in the nasal retention of the microspheres as compared to the aqueous solution of radiolabelled free-drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Chronic liver disease has become a global health problem. The research for prominent herbal agents for the management of liver diseases is widely increased. Objective: The root of Abelmoschus esculentus (Linn.) Moench., (Malvaceae) has been used as a remedy for liver disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of the ethanol extract of A. esculentus root. Materials and method: The antioxidant effect was assessed using DPPH and hydroxy radical scavenging assays. The hepatoprotective effect of the extract was evaluated using CCl4 intoxicated HepG2 cell line and Wistar rats by estimating the levels of hepatic and antioxidant markers. Results: The extract of A. esculentus showed IC50 values of 270.99 and 532.86 µg/mL for DPPH and hydroxy radical scavenging assays, respectively. The incubation of HepG2 cells with CCl4 drastically decreased the cell viability and increased the leakage of transaminases. Pre-treatment with the extract significantly restored the cell death by 31.25 and 39.04% at 200 and 400 µg/mL concentrations, respectively. The reduction of ALT leakage by the treatment was 18.62, 38.59 and 52.15% compared to the CCl4 treated cells at 100, 200 and 400 µg/mL, respectively. In in-vivo experiments also the treatment reduced the levels of transaminases, ALP, MDA, total bilirubin and hepatic TNFα levels as well as increased the antioxidant levels in a dose dependent manner. Histological observations of liver sections showed reduction in steatosis, necrosis and inflammation. Conclusion: The results substantiated the hepatoprotective activity of A. esculentus through its antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous use of previous generation acaricides in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus(L.) Moench] has increased resistance to pesticides and pest resurgence. The project was undertaken to evaluate a new acaricide, fenazaquin 10 EC, for effective control of two-spotted spider mites [Tetranychus urticaeKoch (Acari: Tetranychidae)] in pot culture and under field conditions. Fenazaquin was used at 75, 100, 125, or 150 g·ha−1a.i. and compared with the standard acaricide dicofol 18.5 EC at 250 g·ha−1a.i. and an untreated control. The adulticide bioassay, ovicidal action toT. urticaeand safety of Dwarf honey bees (Apis floreaFabricius), was performed under laboratory conditions. Pot culture and two field trials were conducted to evaluate efficacy. Impact on okra yield and phytotoxicity were determined. The LC50was 1.440 mg·L−1and LT50at 1.50 mg·L−1was ˜8 hours. Fenazaquin produced more than 70% egg mortality in all doses forT. urticae. Fenazaquin at 125 and 150 g·ha−1a.i. caused the highest reduction in numbers of mites in pot culture and field experiments. Fruit yields (9.89 Mt·ha−1, 10.59 Mt·ha−1) and cost–benefit ratio (1:3.25, 1:3.48) were higher in fenazaquin-treated plants at 150 g·ha−1a.i in field experiments. No test doses were phytotoxic and all doses were relatively safe to Dwarf honey bees. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, is attacked by the adult chrysomelid flea beetles, Podagrica spp. Information on physiological disruptions that occur due to flea beetle infestation affecting okra yield loss is incomplete. Screenhouse and field experiments were established to examine the effects of insect populations on leaf abscission, chlorophyll concentration, and biomass partitioning. Okra plants were grown in wire mesh screen cages and artificially infested with flea beetles, P. uniforma Jac., at population densities of 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 pairs per plant at 3 weeks after sowing (1 pair = 1 male and 1 female). In both experiments, okra plants had increased leaf abscission up to 100% at the 40-pair level in response to P. uniforma–induced injury. There were no significant differences in chlorophyll concentrations of plants at 0-, 5-, and 10-pair levels of infestation, suggesting the use of a compensatory mechanism by plants; at the 20-pair level a significant reduction occurred. Number of leaves per plant, shoots, roots, and dry fruit and total dry matter yield were reduced with infestation above the 20-pair level. More biomass was partitioned into roots at the 5- and 10-pair levels, but insect damage at populations beyond these levels completely suppressed the plant's ability to partition biomass. Dry fruit yields were reduced more than 50% when beetle populations increased beyond 20 pairs in both experiments. There was a correlation between insect density and number of leaves per plant and shoot, root, dry fruit, and total dry matter yield. The reduction in okra leaf production and chlorophyll content and increase in leaf abscission as a result of flea beetle infestation apparently resulted in a reduction in dry matter yield. The 20-pair level appeared to be the damage threshold of the insects. Physiological disruptions induced by the flea beetle at this level overcame the plants' ability to compensate for damage and caused significant reductions in leaf production, chlorophyll content, and dry matter yield and an increase in leaf abscission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is susceptible to at least 19 plant viruses with Okra mosaic virus (OkMV) being reported to be the most severe. Alternative host plants have been suspected to harbor OkMV which have contributed in its transmission. A study was carried out to determine the incidence of OkMV in weed species found near cultivated okra. Weed species growing around okra field, and exhibiting virus, or virus-like disease, symptoms were sampled and serologically analyzed to determine whether they harbored OkMV. Vector transmission tests were carried out with Aphis craccivora, A. spiraecola, Podagrica unifoma, P. sjostedti and Syagrus spp. to determine if the virus was insect-transmitted from the weeds to healthy okra and indicator plants. In the second experiment, healthy okra plants were inoculated with OkMV, at 14, 21, and 28 days after emergence and the effect of OkMV on yield components was estimated. Presence of OkMV in some weed samples was confirmed by symptom expression, host range, and serology. Leaf extract from the weeds produced symptoms on at least two common indicator hosts upon mechanical inoculation. Datura spp. exhibited the greatest ability to harbor OkMV. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV; genus Cucumovirus), a non-persistently transmitted virus was isolated as a result of differential transmission tests with candidate vectors of CMV from Datura sp. The effect of OkMV infection on okra growth and yield varied with time of inoculation. There was a positive correlation between fruit weight and numbers of fruit for all inoculation times. There was reduction in yield components due to infection with OkMV in all time of inoculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protocol was established for mass in vitro propagation of okra using meristem culture. Meristems (0.3-0.5 mm in size) were isolated from shoot tips of three-week old in vitro grown seedlings. Isolated meristems were established rapidly in MS liquid medium containing 1.0 mg/l of BAP. For shoot development from primarily established meristem, semisolid MS medium having the same concentration of BAP was found to be the most effective. Rapid shoot multiplication of mericlone was achieved from node cutting cultured in 1.0 mg/l plus 0.5 mg/l GA3, and a maximum of nine shoots were found from each node. Effective root development from the developed plantlets was successful in 1.0 mg/l IBA. More than 75% of the micropropagated mericlones plantlets were successfully acclimatised in soil up to maturity and found to be healthy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of compost in horticultural crops has the potential to provide many benefits and yet there are concerns regarding accumulation of heavy metals in the crop and on human health. Effects of amending soil with compost made from mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) on yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] and on heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in pods of okra and pulp and juice of watermelon were investigated. Four MSW compost rates were applied, 25, 50, 75, and 100 Mg·ha-1, and compared to a non-amended control with no compost application. Addition of MSWC increased yield of okra and weight of watermelons over the control. There were no differences among treatments in heavy metal concentrations in okra pods, watermelon pulp, or juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]