Search Results (68)

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a tropical vegetable with high nutritional and economic value. Rich in fiber, vitamins (C, K, and B9), and minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron), it contributes to food security in many tropical regions. Global production is estimated at 11.5 million tons in 2023, 62% of which will come from India. Nigeria, Mali, Sudan, Pakistan, and Côte d’Ivoire are also among the major producers. Given its economic importance, optimizing its growth through controlled methods such as greenhouse cultivation and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting is a strategic challenge. Energy-efficient LED horticultural lighting offers promising prospects, but each plant variety reacts differently depending on the light spectrum, intensity, and duration of exposure (photoperiod). This study evaluated the effects of different LED spectra on okra’s flowering after 30 days of growth using B (blue, 445 nm) and R (red, 660 nm) LED lights and red-blue alternating in a three-day cycle (R3B3) by alternating the photoperiod from 14 to 10 h. Outdoor and greenhouse conditions served as controls. The results show that the R3B3 treatment improves germination in terms of both speed and percentage. However, plant growth (height, stem diameter, and leaf area) remains higher in the control group. R3B3 and red light stimulate leaf and node development. Flowering occurs earlier in the control group (51 days) and later under LED, particularly blue (73 days). Fruit diameter after petal fall was also larger in the control group. These results confirm the sensitivity of okra to photoperiod and light quality, and highlight the potential of spectral and photoperiod manipulation to regulate flowering in controlled-environment agriculture. Full article

Chilling stress inhibits the growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), reduces its overall agricultural yield, and deteriorates fruit quality. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the mechanism through which okra plants respond to chilling stress. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of chilling tolerance by comparing the transcriptome and metabolome of chilling-tolerant (Ae182) and chilling-sensitive (Ae171) okra varieties. We found that Ae182 exhibits higher antioxidant enzyme activities, including SOD, POD, CAT, and APX, suggesting it mitigates oxidative stress more effectively than Ae171. Metabolomics analysis revealed that Ae182 produces higher levels of jasmonic acid (JA) and JA-isoleucine (JA-Ile) under chilling stress, potentially activating genes that alleviate oxidative damage. Additionally, integrated analyses identified key transcription factors, such as AP2, BHLH, and MYB, associated with JA and chilling stress. These findings provide candidate genes for further research on chilling resistance in okra. Full article

The conversion of aquatic biomass into biochar offers a sustainable strategy for improving soil fertility and mitigating ecological imbalances caused by its rapid proliferation. In this study, Typha angustifolia, a widely distributed aquatic weed, was utilized for biochar production. Three biochar types (TABC400, TABC500, and TABC600) were synthesized through pyrolysis at 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C temperature. It was hypothesized that Typha angustifolia biochar would positively influence the growth and development of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). The results demonstrate that biochar yield subsequently decreases with increasing pyrolysis temperature, with the highest yield at 400 °C temperature (49.03%), followed by 500 °C (38.02%) and 600 °C temperature (32.01%). However, carbon content 67.01 to 83.12%, higher heating value (17.31 to 27.42 MJ/kg), and mineral contents (K, Mg, P, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn) increase significantly with higher pyrolysis temperature. However, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, bulk density, moisture contents, and volatile context exhibited an inverse relationship with pyrolysis temperature, highlighting biochar stability and its potential for soil amendment. Among the three synthesized biochar, the 4%TABC600 (600 °C) revealed the most substantial improvement in plant height (110.11 ± 4.12 cm), plant dry biomass (6.12 ± 0.41 gm), and chlorophyll contact (39.34 ± 3.33 SPAD values), whereas the 2% and 6% TABC600 demonstrated significant influence on fruit yield (9.11 ± 2.11 gm) and fruit weight (750.44 ± 7.83 g), and chlorophyll contact (32–38 SPAD values). Based on our results, we can conclude that Typha angustifolia biochar prepared at 600 °C (TABC600) has great potential as a biofertilizer, promoting soil fertility and growth and development of crops, particularly for vegetable cultivation such as okra. Full article

Okra is an important dietary component of many Asian countries, providing high levels of dietary fiber, phytonutrients (e.g., antioxidant vitamins and pigments), and essential minerals. Evaluation of okra germplasm collections can improve the curation of genebanks and help identify superior materials for breeding. In this study, 66 okra accessions from diverse geographical origins were characterized based on fruit quality traits, including fruit fresh (FFW) and dry weights (FDW), dry matter (DM), diameter, length, and diameter of the fruit peduncle; concentration of vitamin C, chlorophyll a and b, and total chlorophyll; and color-chroma values. Significant (p < 0.05) and substantial variation was found among the accessions for all traits. Mean FFW and FDW varied nearly three-fold, with ranges of 3.76–9.99 g and 0.43–1.34 g, respectively, with a range in DM content of 10.5–19.4%. Vitamin C and total chlorophyll content varied 6.4- and 8.3-fold, with ranges of 12.8–82.8 and 1.07–8.91 mg/100 g fw, respectively, with substantial variation also observed in chlorophyll composition. Significant positive correlations were found between vitamin C and total and subtypes of chlorophyll levels (r = 0.29–0.32), whereas the strongest correlations were between FFW and FDW (r = 0.88) and between total chlorophyll and chlorophyll subtypes a and b (r = 0.90–0.95). Additionally, a dendrogram constructed based on these phenotypic data grouped the accessions in general agreement with their geographical origins and fruit traits. Overall, our results revealed broad phenotypic diversity in the evaluated germplasm, which is exploitable in okra breeding programs aimed at increasing fruit quality and nutraceutical value. Full article

Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, commonly known as okra or lady’s finger, is an annual flowering plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. Okra is a native plant in Africa as well as a traditional medicine in Africa and India for treating different diseases and conditions. Today, okra is widely consumed as a vegetable and is increasingly recognized as a superfood due to its rich nutritional profile and potential pharmacological benefits. Research indicates that okra exhibits a range of biological activities, including antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antifatigue, vasoprotective, hepatoprotective, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Despite its promising therapeutic potential, research on the active compounds in okra and evaluating efficacy in clinical settings remains limited. This review aims to consolidate existing scientific knowledge on the biological and pharmacological properties of okra, thereby encouraging further investigation into its health benefits. Ultimately, this could pave the way for the development of functional foods or health supplements that leverage okra as a key ingredient to prevent chronic diseases and enhance overall health outcomes. Full article

Soil contamination by trace metal elements, such as aluminum and barium, presents specific environmental risks, particularly to plant health and agricultural productivity. Excessive accumulation of these toxic elements in plant tissues can alter redox equilibrium and affect homeostasis. This study sought to examine the physiological reactions of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) under aluminum- and barium-induced stress. The plants were exposed to multiple concentrations of Al or Ba (0, 100, 200, 400 and 600 µM) for 45 days; then, the accumulation potential of Al and Ba, oxidative damage, and antioxidative metabolism were assessed. Key findings showed a proportional distribution of the Al and Ba in roots and aerial parts of the plants, with lower accumulation in the fruits. The occurrence of oxidative damage and the involvement of antioxidant enzymes were demonstrated by increased amounts of malondialdehyde and H₂O₂, enhanced activity of superoxide dismutase, and decreased catalase activity. The study also highlighted that GSH played a primary role in Al detoxification in the roots and fruits, while phytochelatins were more active in Ba-treated plants, particularly in roots and shoots, facilitating Ba sequestration. Full article

With the gradual improvement and implementation of unconventional wells drilling and environmental regulations, there is an urgent need for high-performance and more environmentally friendly lubricants for water-based drilling fluids (WD). Developing green oilfield chemicals from natural products is a shortcut. In this work, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench/okra has been studied as the lubricant in WD. The green drilling fluid lubricant developed demonstrates excellent lubrication performance, as well as good filtration loss reduction and inhibition of bentonite hydration expansion. The results show that with the addition of 2.5% okra slurry to water-based drilling fluid, the coefficient of friction decreased by 51.68%, the apparent viscosity (AV) increased by 51.32%, the plastic viscosity (PV) increased by 42.99%, and the fluid loss decreased by 39.88%. Moreover, through TGA, SEM, FT-IR, particle distribution tests, and contact angle tests, the lubrication mechanism of okra slurry was discussed. Finally, the economic feasibility of using okra as an environmentally friendly lubricant for drilling fluids was analyzed. This work combines agricultural products with industrial production, which not only solves industrial problems but also enhances the added value of agricultural products, providing a reference for the coordinated development of industry and agriculture. Full article

The aim of this study was to develop an innovative sourdough using dehydrated okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) pod flour and to use it in the production of bread. Three different flours (sun-dried S, freeze-dried F, oven-dried O) were individually mixed at 9% with wheat flour (Dough Yield 300) and fermented (N₀: 8.0 log₁₀ CFU/g) for 14 h, using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ITM21B, Weissella cibaria C43-11 or Leuconostoc mesenteroides C43-2M. The results showed that after fermentation, the content of organic acids (lactic, acetic and propionic), exopolysaccharides (EPS), l-glutamic acid and total free amino acids (TFAA) increased and the high molecular weight proteins were converted into smaller proteins. Sourdough based on Leuc. mesenteroides and O flour (O_LeuMes) was selected to evaluate its applicability in bread making. It was included in the yeast-leavened bread formulation at 20 or 40% (0.6% and 1.21% w/w O flour replacement). The results showed that fermentation limited the negative effects of unfermented O flour on bread quality attributes, mainly the specific volume and firmness. Bread with O_LeuMes at 40% was improved in TFAA, EPS and l-glutamic acid content and showed a higher specific volume and lower moisture and firmness compared to bread with the unfermented O flour. Full article

The global prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, is rising. While pharmacological treatments for dyslipidemia and associated CVDs exist, not all individuals can afford them, and those who do often experience adverse side effects. Preclinical studies have indicated the potential benefits of Abelmoschus esculentus and its active phytochemicals in addressing dyslipidemia in rodent models of diabetes. However, there is limited clinical evidence on lipid parameters. Thus, this study aimed to assess the potential impact of Abelmoschus esculentus on dyslipidemia. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library for relevant trials published from inception until 11 August 2024. Data analysis was performed using Jamovi software version 2.4.8 and Review Manager (version 5.4), with effect estimates reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The evidence from eight studies with nine treatment arms showed that Abelmoschus esculentus reduces total cholesterol (TC), SMD = −0.53 (95% CI: −1.00 to −0.07), p = 0.025), compared to placebo. Additionally, triglyceride (TG) was reduced in Abelmoschus esculentus compared to placebo, SMD = −0.24 (95% CI: −0.46 to −0.02), p = 0.035. Furthermore, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was also reduced, SMD = −0.35 (95% CI: −0.59 to −0.11), p = 0.004 in Abelmoschus esculentus versus placebo. This remedy substantially increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), SMD = 0.34 (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.61), p = 0.014). Abelmoschus esculentus substantially improved lipid profile in prediabetes, T2D, obesity, and diabetic nephropathy. While the evidence confirms the potential benefits of Abelmoschus esculentus in reducing dyslipidemia, it is important for future clinical studies to standardize the effective dosage for more reliable results. Therefore, future trials should focus on these markers in well-designed trials with sufficient sample sizes. Furthermore, Abelmoschus esculentus can be supplemented to the diet of the relevant populations to alleviate dyslipidemia. Full article

Okra is a common vegetable in the African cuisine, known for its distinctive slimy texture. Plant cell walls include hydrocolloids, especially pectin, which contribute to their sliminess. This textural property is known to become lost during thermal treatment. In this research, okra hydrocolloid is extracted and used to produce a model medium at a pH of 6.0, representing okra’s natural state. This medium is subjected to various controlled thermal treatments (70–130 °C) to evaluate their impact on pectin degradation. At the same time, the texture of okra puree is also assessed using an instrumental method under the same conditions. The two main products of pectin degradation—reducing end sugars from depolymerization and methanol from a demethylation—are measured and found to show an increase as a function of time and temperature. Kinetic modeling indicates that a first-order reaction fits well with the experimental concentrations of both products. The rate constants, as a function of temperature, aligns with the Arrhenius model, confirming the chemical basis of the degradation. Instrumental results correlate well with the production of methanol and reducing end sugars, indicating that pectin degradation is the primary cause of texture changes during the thermal treatment of okra and that this change can be controlled by adjusting the temperature. Full article

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) pod storage is challenging due to its high water content and tendency to lignify. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) served as an H₂S donor in this investigation. Compared with the control group, the group treated with 0.5 mmol/L NaHS solution effectively maintained the appearance quality, and its weight loss was only 6.21% at 20 days. The H₂S treatment not only preserved tissue nutrients but also significantly enhanced catalase (CAT), ascorbic acid peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities while decreasing oxidant damage. In addition, H₂S slowed down lignin synthesis by inhibiting the activities of key enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL), cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) in the lignin biosynthesis pathway. Transcriptome analysis revealed that H₂S affects 34 genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, such as AePAL, Ae4CL1, AeCCOAOMT1, AePOD, etc., which inhibit lignin synthesis of okra pods. All in all, moderate H₂S can improve postharvest quality and extend the shelf-life of okra pods by enhancing antioxidant capacity and delaying lignification; the results will provide an overview of its application in the preservation of okra pods. Full article

Abelmoschus esculentus L. is a plant of legume origin; it is used in several areas of nutrition, industry and medicine. This study was proposed in order to understand the adaptation mechanisms of the seeds of this species under the effect of NaCl. Germination was monitored by varying the concentrations of NaCl saline solution (100 mM and 150 mM).The physiological parameters were determined by monitoring the capacity and speed of seed germination at a temperature of 25 °C. The monitoring of biometric parameters was carried out as follows: Calculation of the water content of sprouted okra seeds after one week and-evaluation of the radical length carried out by up-to-date measurements of the radical length of germinated seeds for one week. From the results obtained, it was noted that the cumulative rate of germinated seeds is estimated to be from 17.27% to 14.55% under the effect of 100 mM and 150 mM, respectively, as compared to 47.27% for the control seeds. In addition, it was observed that the treatment with 100 mM NaCl causes a decrease in the germination speed (23.58%) and a slight prolongation in time as compared to the control. On the other hand, the treatment with 150 mM induces a remarkable decrease in germination speed (13.96% versus 24.39%) and average time as compared to the control (2.9 days versus 4.1 days). Furthermore, the monitoring of biometric parameters highlights two essential points: the NaCl treatment limits the growth of seed radicals and reduces the water content of okra seeds as compared to the control. In light of these results, it is possible to conclude that treatment with sodium chloride has a detrimental effect on the germination and growth of Abelmoschus esculentus L. seeds. Full article

Crop canopy temperature has proven beneficial for qualitative and quantitative assessment of plants’ biotic and abiotic stresses. In this two-year study, water stress identification in okra crops was evaluated using thermal–RGB imaging and AI approaches. Experimental trials were developed for two irrigation types, sprinkler and flood, and four deficit treatment levels (100, 50, 75, and 25% crop evapotranspiration), replicated thrice. A total of 3200 thermal and RGB images acquired from different crop stages were processed using convolutional neural network architecture-based deep learning models (1) ResNet-50 and (2) MobileNetV2. On evaluation, the accuracy of water stress identification was higher with thermal imagery inputs (87.9% and 84.3%) compared to RGB imagery (78.6% and 74.1%) with ResNet-50 and MobileNetV2 models, respectively. In addition, irrigation treatment and levels had significant impact on yield and crop water use efficiency; the maximum yield of 10,666 kg ha⁻¹ and crop water use efficiency of 1.16 kg m⁻³ was recorded for flood irrigation, while 9876 kg ha⁻¹ and 1.24 kg m⁻³ were observed for sprinkler irrigation at 100% irrigation level. Developments and observations from this study not only suggest applications of thermal–RGB imagery with AI for water stress quantification but also developing and deploying automated irrigation systems for higher crop water use efficiency. Full article

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

Uneven rainfall, in the context of global warming, can cause soil moisture fluctuations (SMFs) that harm crop growth, and it is not yet known whether nitrogen (N) can mitigate the harm caused by a strong SMF. This paper uses okra as a test subject and sets three SMFs of 45–55% FC (W₁), 35–65% FC (W₂), and 25–75% FC (W₃) and three N applications of 0 kg hm⁻² (N₀), 110 kg hm⁻² (N₁), and 330 kg hm⁻² (N₂) to investigate the effects of SMF and N application on the physiological and biochemical aspects of okra. The results demonstrated that okra exhibited the highest values in stem diameter, number of leaves, photosynthesis characteristics, antioxidant enzyme activity, and yield under the N₁ treatment. The average yield in the N₁ treatment was 149.8 g, significantly surpassing the average yields of the N₀ (129.8 g) and N₃ (84.0 g) treatments. Stomatal density, antioxidant enzyme activity, malondialdehyde content, and proline content in okra leaves were highest in the W₃ treatment, indicating that plants experienced stress in the W₃ treatment. However, the agronomic traits and yields of okra in the N₁ treatment were higher than those in the N₀ and N₁ treatments, indicating that the crop damage caused by W₃ could be mitigated by an appropriate amount of N application. The N₁W₁ treatment emerged as the most suitable combination for okra growth in this study, exhibiting the highest stem diameter, leaf count, photosynthetic characteristics, and yield (201.3 g). Notably, this yield was 67.8% higher than the lowest treatment (N2W3), signifying a significant improvement. Full article