Selenium Supplementation Affects Vegetative and Yield Attributes to Escalate Drought Tolerance in Okra.

Drought stress restricts the vegetative and yield attributes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) primarily by disrupting its biochemical and physiological functions. The current study was conducted to appraise the Selenium (Se) role in improving the drought tolerance in okra. Drought stress (three days (control), six days (mild stress) and nine days (severe stress)) and four doses of Se (0, 1, 2, and 3 mg L-1) were imposed after 30 days of sowing. Our outcomes showed that drought stress decreases the number of leaves, plant height, number of branches, stem dry weight, root dry weight, fruit diameter, number of fruit per plant and 1000 seed weight. Visually reduction in vegetative and yield parametric quality okra plant okra were significantly alleviated by the foliar application of Se under drought stress. Se application of 3 mg L-1 significantly increased the number of leaves, plant height, number of branches, stem dry weight, root dry weight, fruit diameter, number of fruit per plant and 1000 seed weight. Se regulated processes, improved the vegetative and yield attributes of okra under water deficit conditions as well in control. The current investigation proved beneficial in improving the growth performance of okra, suggesting that foliar supplementation of Se may result in the development of drought mitigation in okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]