Effect of Biofertilizers on the Agromorphological Parameters of Three Okra Cultivars in Southern Côte d’Ivoire

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is an herbaceous plant of the Malvaceae family. In Côte d’Ivoire, okra production is estimated to be over 193,000 tons. This low production is largely due to poor soils and hardly covers the needs of the population. To remedy this, growers systematically use mineral fertilizers. However, these fertilizers pollute the environment. To find an alternative to chemical fertilization and increase production, the effect of biofertilizers (Spaawet, Retone, Super Gro) compared with NPK mineral fertilizer was evaluated on Divo, Teriman, and Djonan F1 cultivars. The trial was set up in a factorial block design with three replications. Plant height, number of functional leaves, and crown diameter were assessed at 60 days after sowing (DAS). The time to 50% flowering, production time, and fruit yield were calculated. The results showed that the biofertilizer Retone induced the highest heights and number of functional leaves, with averages of 61.89 cm and 29.88 leaves, respectively. The diameter at the crown (17.77 mm) was highest with the NPK mineral fertilizer, and the shortest 50% flowering time, with an average of 47.61 days, was also obtained with the biofertilizer Retone. The NPK mineral fertilizer produced the longest production time, with an average of 35.25 days. The highest yields were obtained using Retone (11.07 t/ha) and NPK (9.52 t/ha) fertilizers. The “Divo*Retone” interaction produced the highest yield with an average of 12.19 t/ha. The biofertilizer Retone could therefore be used as an alternative fertilizer to chemical fertilization in okra crops, given its effect on the parameters assessed.

Cotton Leafhoppers, Amrasca biguttula (Ishida, 1913) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Identified as a New Species on Okra and Guinea Sorrel in Niger

Leafhoppers (jassids) are well-known pests of vegetable crops in Niger. They are often part of a parasitic complex that causes varying degrees of damage. Over the last two crop years, the Niamey region has seen a heavy outbreak of leaf hoppers on okra and guinea sorrel. These insects alone have caused spectacular damage, resulting in losses ranging from 50% to 100% of unharvested plants. Following this observation, infested fields were surveyed, specimens sampled, and the responsible species identified. Two sites were surveyed in the city of Niamey. At each site, two plots of okra and two of guinea sorrel were visited. Fifty (50) plants were randomly sampled using the double “W” method per plot. The sampled plants were used for active and passive leaf hopper capture, damage description and loss assessment. Captured leaf hoppers were identified based on their morphology observed with a binocular magnifying glass and compared with the data in the identification keys. The symptoms observed in the plots were yellowing, leaf curling and drying, stunting, abortion of flowers and immature fruit and very low production. Identification results revealed the single species Amrasca biguttula (Ishida, 1913), which can be considered a new invasive species in Niger. Further confirmation of this identification by molecular tests, the distribution of the pest in Niger and the development of appropriate control methods would yield good prospects.

Coupling Aquaculture—Crop Productions and Using of Water Drained from Ponds Rearing Clarias gariepinus as Fertilizer for Okra Production (Abelmoschus esculentus var. Clemson spineless, L. Moench)

The present study concerns the revalorization of drained water from aquaculture ponds rearing Clarias gariepinus on okra crops. The rearing was carried out at the farm of Gaston Berger University in 100 m2 ponds. In each pond, the individuals of C. garipinus with an average weight of 6 ± 0.3 g were stocked at a density of 11 per m2. The water temperature and pH were measured during the experiment. The control fishing is carried out every month to monitor variations in the weight and size of reared individuals. The plant production is carried out in elementary plots measuring 3 m × 1.5 m. Each plot was fertilized with either: drained water from C. gariepinus rearing (DWC), poultry droppings (PD), cow dung (CD) and mineral fertilizer (NPK). Treatments are carried out in tripliqua with either river water (RW), RW + the recommended dose of NPK (RD-NPK), RW + RD-PD, RW + RD-CD, DWC, DWC + 25% RD-NPK, DWC + 50% RD-NPK, DWC + 75% RD-NPK, DWC + 25% RD-PD, DWC + 50% RD-PD, DWC + 75% RD-PD, DWC + 25% RD-CD, DWC + 50% RD-CD, DWC + 75% RD-CD. Growth parameters and yield of okra were determined. The average temperature in the rearing environment was 27.6 ± 1.5˚C and pH 7.9 ± 1.1. After six (06) months of rearing, C. gariepinus individuals reached an average weight of 850.12 ± 1.3 g and an average height of 52.44 ± 1.1 cm. The daily weight gain and specific growth rates over this period were 3.9 g per day and 2.8% per day, respectively. The treatment T1 (RW + DR-NPK) gave the highest mean collar diameter and mean plant height with 2.3 ± 0.9 cm and 61.6 ± 32 cm, respectively. In T4 (DWC), the mean height of plants was 38.8 ± 23.5 cm and mean collar diameter 1.4 ± 0.8 cm. The growth performance in T4 was comparable to that of RD-CD (T3), but different from RD-NPK (T1) and RD-PD (T2). The highest average number, average weight, average length and average diameter of fruits were noted in treatments T13 (RW + RD-75%CD) and T7 (DWC + 75% RD-NPK). The best yields were noted in T1 (RW + RD-NPK) = 10.8 ± 5.4 t·ha−1, T5 (DWC + 25% RD-NPK) = 9.2 ± 4.6 t·ha−1 and T4 (DWC) = 8.6 ± 4.3 t·ha−1 which are comparable and higher than those obtained in T2 = 5.7 ± 2.8 t·ha−1 and T3 = 7.5 ± 3.8 t·ha−1.

Appraisal of Improvement in Physiological and Metabolic Processes by Exogenously Applied Natural and Synthetic Ascorbic Acid in Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus L.)Fruit Subjected to Water Deficit Stress

To counteract the effects of drought stress,scientists have adopted several approaches including the use of different chemicals both inorganic and organic,which is contemplated as a highly efficient and cost-effective shot-gun approach.Ascorbic acid(AsA)is a potential organic substance,which widely occurs in plants,and is considered to be an effective antioxidant to counteract reactive oxygen species(ROS).Thus,a pot experiment was performed to assess the relative mitigating impacts of synthetic AsA and naturally occurring AsA in the form of lemon juice(LJ)and orange juice(OJ)on two cultivars of okra(Abelmoschus esculentus L.)namely Sabz Pari and Bhindi Sanwali under varying water deficit conditions.After 30 days of seed germination,okra seedlings were subjected to different irrigation regimes,i.e.,water deficit stress[(65%and 50%F.C.)and control conditions(100%F.C.)].Different levels of AsA[control(no spray),14 mg L^(−1)LJ,24 mg L^(−1)OJ and 150 mg L^(−1)AsA]obtained from different sources were applied as a foliar spray to control and water-stressed plants.Drought stress prominently reduced plant growth and yield attributes of the okra cultivars.Water-deficit conditions(65%and 50%F.C.)substantially decreased the fruit chlorophyll(a,b)pigments and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)enzyme,while an increase was observed in the contents of fruit’s hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2)),malondialdehyde(MDA),total phenolics,total soluble sugars,AsA,and total soluble proteins.Drought stress also increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes like peroxidase(POD)and catalase(CAT).However,plant growth and yield attributes,fruit chlorophyll pigments,total phenolics,total soluble sugars,total free amino acids,total soluble proteins,AsA,GB,H_(2)O_(2),and the activities of antioxidant enzymes(POD and CAT)were increased by the AsA exogenous treatment in both okra cultivars under water deficit and control conditions.Overall,LJ and OJ were more effective than the synthetic AsA in upregulating the physiological and metabolic processes of okra plants.So,cost-effective as well as multi-nutrient natural sources of AsA could be suggested for alleviating the harmful effects of water deficit stress on plants.

Molecular Identification and Characterization of a Begomovirus Associated with Okra Enation Leaf Curl Disease in Mali

Okra is one of the most widespread vegetable crops in the world, particularly in West Africa. However, several factors influence okra crops as biotic and abiotic factors. Among the diseases affecting its culture, okra leaf curl disease is a major threat. This study aims to assess begomoviruses from okra plants with symptoms like leaves curl by molecular approach. A total of thirteen serologically positive samples were tested by PCR assay, and one sample was sequenced among them. The begomovirus was found in six isolates, Bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus (BYVMV) in three isolates, and Okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCuV) in three isolates, respectively. The begomovirus isolate sequences shared 90% identity with the Cotton leaf curl Gezira virus. Mixed infections between these viruses were found. Thus, these results highlight the need to monitor the spread of these disease-causing viruses for okra crops in Mali. In addition, they can also lead to a considerable loss in okra fields in Koulikoro, which is an agricultural region by excellence.

Physical Transformations of Agri-Food Products during Their Convective Drying: Characterization of the Contraction and Isotropicity of Okra

The physical transformations in terms of contraction of okra dimensions during convective drying were examined. During drying, the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of okra decrease over time. The lateral dimensions go from their initial value to around 53%, 65% and 66% of this value after 530 min. The length of the two samples used goes from 8.65 and 9.02 cm to 6.79 and 7.52 cm after 14,300 min, i.e. a variation of 78.50% and 83.37%. All the two directions give variations almost linear depending on the water content. These linear contractions result in a volume contraction of the okra. It considerably decreases in volume during the drying process. The volume goes from 831.32 cm3 to 367.57 cm3 in min, a variation of 44.22%. The isotropic index reveals that okra does not behave the same in the lateral and longitudinal directions. It contracts its diameter more than its length.

The Extraction Process Optimization of Phenolic Compounds from Okra Flower and Its Antioxidant Activities

[Objective] The aim of the study was to investigate extraction optimization and antioxidant activity of polyphenol in okra flower in order to enhance extraction efficiency and developing value of okra flower. [Method] Optimization of supersonic assisted extraction of phenolic compound in okra flower was investigated using uniform design methodology, and its antioxidant activity was analyzed including reducing power and the capacity of scavenging superoxide anion radicals（O-2·）. [Result]The optimal process parameters of supersonic assisted extraction were as follows：ratio of sample to solvent of 1：35, ethanol concentration of 55%, supersonic time of22 min, and in the extraction condition the experimental yield of phenolic compound was 4.28%. Moreover, phenolic compound in okra flower exhibited stronger antioxidant activities, reducing power of 0.2 mg/ml extraction fluid reached 0.672 and the rate of scavenging O-2· was 13.13%. [Conclusion] The optimization of extraction technology of phenolic compound in okra flower is simple and reliable, the result contributes to the development of phenolic compound in okra flower.

Therapeutic effect of okra extract on gestational diabetes mellitus rats induced by streptozotocin

Objective:To explore the effect of okra extract on gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) rats and its probable molecular mechanism.Methods:A total of 30 female SD rats were caged with male rats for pregnancy,27 pregnant rats were obtained and weighed.The pregnant rats were equally randomized into the control group,GDM group and intervention group.Once the pregnancy was verified,GDM group and intervention group were given 45 mg/kg streptozotocin by peritoneal injection for inducing GDM,control group was given equal volume of citrate buffer.Once the model was established successfully,intervention group was administered orally the solution containing 200 mg/kg/d okra extract,the other groups were given the diet and water only.On the 19 th day of pregnancy,the blood samples and fetal rats of all groups were collected,fetal rats weight and placental weight was recorded and the serum glucose,lipids,serum insulin and C-peptide of pregnant rats before the delivery were determined.Results:The pregnant rats weight before the delivery,fetal rats weight and placental weight of GDM group were lower than control group and intervention group(P<0.05).After the treatment of okra extract,serum glucose and lipids levels of intervention group were both improved significantly(P<0.05),especially,the FBG,HDL,FINS,serum m insulin and hepatic glycogen levels were equivalent to control group(P>0.05).Antioxidant enzymes levels of GDM group in liver and pancreas tissues were lower than the other groups,and after treatment of okra extract,antioxidant enzymes levels in liver and pancreas tissues were equivalent to control group(P>0.05).Conclusions:Okra extract,rich in antioxidant substances,could avoid the excessive consuming of antioxidant enzymes,then,suppresses the oxidative stress and insulin resistance,thereby improving blood glucose level of GDM rats.

Effect of Diazotrophs and Chemical Fertilizers on Production and Economics of Okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i>, L.) Cultivars

The effect of diazotrophs and chemical fertilizers on yield attributing characters and economics of okra cultivation was evaluated. Application of highest dose of NPK @100% in combination with vermicompost (5 t ha-1) and biofertilizers with FYM increased the fruit yield of okra (cultivar Mahyco-10) considerably with yield varying between 80.00 q ha-1 to 227.13 q ha-1 and 80.49 q ha-1 to 229.62 q ha-1 during 2010 and 2011 respectively. In okra cv. Utkal Gaurav the fruit yield varied from 47.68 q ha-1 to 129.84 q ha-1 in 2010 and 47.27 q ha-1 to 131.35 q ha-1 in 2011. As regards the net return, highest net profit of Rs 87,630 and Rs. 89,370 ha-1 from the okra was realized over an investment of Rs. 71,360 ha-1 during both the years with a benefit cost ratio of 2.23 and 2.25 when 100% NPK integrated with vermicompost @5t ha-1 and biofertilizers with FYM applied in okra cv.Mahyco-10. The highest net return of Rs. 14,350 in 2010 and Rs. 15,260 in 2011 with an investment of Rs. 63,550 each year was found in cultivar Utkal Gaurav under highest level of nutrient application.

Effect of Farm Product Intrinsic Properties on Convective Drying: Case of Okra

In this study, the material is okra, a cucurbitaceous largely consumed in West Africa and South Asia. The influence of the external air parameters on food drying with different size, maturity, shape of the material is considered by convective drying. So, the okra was cut in several parts according to its three characteristic zones, the basis, the middle of the okra and the extremity because the three parts of the vegetable have not the same resistances in transfers by convective drying. The maturity of the okra also has an influence. The okra dries faster in its younger or older age. Okra dries slowly when its maturity is convenient to be consumed. The drying duration of okra with the age of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days is respectively 580, 780, 990, 1200 and 850 min. When we consider the three (matters) constituent of the okra: the skin, the seeds and the central material, the central matter dries faster. The diffusion coefficient was identified in all cases in order to compare the influence of those intrinsic properties of that food.

Determination of Multiple Pesticide Residues in Okra by QuEChERS Combined with PTV-GC-MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS

[Objectives] To establish Qu ECh ERS based extraction method for determining multiple pesticide residues in okra combined with programmed temperature vaporizer-gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry( PTV-GC-MS/MS) and ultra high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry( UPLC-MS/MS). [Methods] In this experiment,124 pesticide residues in okra were determined by an optimized Qu ECh ERS method combined with PTV-GC-MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS. The pesticides in okra were extracted and purified by the optimized Qu ECh ERS pretreatment method and determined by PTV-GC-MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS. [Results] In this experiment,124 kinds of pesticides had a good linearity with a limit of detection( LOD) of 0. 000 5-0. 008 0 mg/kg; the average recovery rate at three levels was 65. 5%-128. 1% with relative standard deviation of 2. 2%-9. 7%. [Conclusions] This method is simple,rapid,accurate and sensitive,and can provide reliable and valid data support for the determination of multiple pesticide residues in okra by GC-MS/MS and UPLC-MS/MS.

Efferent limb of gastrojejunostomy obstruction by a whole okra phytobezoar:Case report and brief review

A phytobezoar is one of the intraluminal causes of gastric outlet obstruction,especially in patients with previous gastric surgery and/or gastric motility disorders.Before the proton pump inhibitor era,vagotomy,pyloroplasty,gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy were commonly performed procedures in peptic ulcer patients.One of the sequelae of gastrojejunostomy is phytobezoar formation.However,a bezoar causing gastric outlet obstruction is rare even with giant gastric bezoars.We report a rare case of gastric outlet obstruction due to a phytobezoar obstructing the efferent limb of the gastrojejunostomy site.This phytobezoar which consisted of a whole piece of okra(lady finger vegetable) was successfully removed by endoscopic snare.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first case of okra bezoar-related gastrojejunostomy efferent limb obstruction reported in the literature.

Efficacy of Plant Based Insecticides in Control of Leaf Defoliators(Podagrica uniformis Jacoby and Nisotra sjostedti Jacoby(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

The insecticidal efficacy of aqueous extracts of R. communis L. and Z. officinales L. was tested in a field study for the control of two important leaf defoliators （Podagrica uniformis and Nisotra sjostedti of okra）. The extracts were applied at 10% （w/v） and sprayed every week for five consecutive weeks. R. communis significantly reduced （P〈0.05） abundance of the pests on the 2nd day after spraying and increased the yield of okra. Numbers of fruits and weight yields were significantly higher in plots treated with R. communis compared to plots treated with Z. officinales and the untreated control. R. communis had the same weight yield with Karate （synthetic insecticides）. The results indicated that R. communis could be used to control Podagrica uniformis and Nisotra sjostedti of okra.

Epidemiology of Okra Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (OYVMV) and Its Management through Tracer, Mycotal and Imidacloprid

Field trials were conducted to evaluate the epidemiological factors of okra yellow vein mosaic virus (OYVMV). Four varieties of okra were subjected to screening and evaluation of the chemicals. The variety Saloni F1 was highly resistant while Subz Pari was moderately resistant. Diksha was the tolerant variety while Lush Green was moderately susceptible. The chemical Imidacloprid was most effective to control whitefly population and okra yellow vein mosaic virus (OYVMV). Correlation of environmental factors (maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) with percent plant infection of okra yellow vein mosaic virus (OYVMV) was also determined. There was a significant correlation between environment and disease severity.

Vermicompost as an Alternative to Inorganic Fertilizer to Improve Okra Productivity in Côte d’Ivoire

Okra is one of the most popular vegetables in Côte d’Ivoire which is produced by heavy use of inorganic fertilizers. Vermicompost can be an alternative to inorganic fertilizers. This field study investigated the effect of vermicompost on growth and productivity of okra as compared to inorganic fertilizers. The respective treatments were arranged in a complete randomized block design, each at three replications, during three-season cycles on a ferralitic soil. Results showed that the highest rate of germination was obtained with the vermicompost. The tallest plants of Abelmoschus esculentus (1.88 m) and Abelmoschus caillei (1.78 m) were observed with inorganic fertilizer. The number of leaves per plant registered when using vermicompost was 34.5 and 30.74 with Abelmoschus esculentus and Abelmoschus cailli, respectively. With inorganic fertilizer, the number of leaves per plant was 34.21 (Abelmoschus esculentus) and 32.32 (Abelmoschus cailli). Plants took about 60 days to flower in the control plots and about 46 days in the plots fertilized with the vermicompost and the inorganic fertilizer. The highest pod yields of Abelmoschus esculentus and Abelmoschus cailli were 8.7 t⋅ha−1 and 10.58 t⋅ha−1 with vermicompost and 8.85 t⋅ha−1 and 10.7 t⋅ha−1 with inorganic fertilizer, respectively. Vermicompost could be recommended as an alternative to inorganic fertilizer to produce okra on ferralitic soil in Côte d’Ivoire.

Effect of Okra Pectin on the Sensory, Physicochemical and Microbial Quality of Yoghurt

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of okra pectin from two genotypes (asha and agbagoma) on the physicochemical, sensory and microbial quality of yoghurt. Okra pectin concentrations (w/w pectin to milk powder ratios) of 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% were used in the yoghurt preparation and its water holding capacity, titratable acidity and pH were analyzed against a control (0.0% pectin) weekly for a month. Consumer acceptability tests for the yoghurt samples were carried out using 50 untrained panellists on a 7-point hedonic scale. Total aerobic microorganisms present in the most preferred samples were enumerated over a four-week period. Results indicated that samples containing 0.2% asha pectin were most preferred by panelists. Water holding capacity varied significantly with those containing asha pectin higher than agbagoma counterparts and the control. There was a decline in pH with increasing pectin concentration and over the storage period. Samples containing agbagoma pectin had lower pH (3.60 - 4.32) compared to samples containing asha pectin (4.22 - 4.45). Titratable acidity increased during the storage period and with increasing pectin concentration. After four weeks of storage at 4°C sample containing 0.2% agbagoma pectin had the least microbial count (7.6 × 105 ± 4.51 cfu/g), followed by the sample containing 0.2% asha pectin (2.4 × 107 ± 11.14 cfu/g) and the control (8.6 × 107 ± 5.57 cfu/g). The study revealed that addition of okra pectin at 0.2% improved the consumer acceptability of yoghurt and 0.2% agbagoma pectin inhibits the proliferation of aerobic microbes. Addition of okra pectin also improved the water holding capacity and reduced whey exudation.

What Process Optimizes Convective Drying of Farm Products with Complex Constitution:Case of Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus)

In this paper, we propose an optimized process for farm product convective drying. Above and beyond the influence of the air parameters on foodstuff convective drying, this work shows that product internal parameters and drying proceedings must be taken into account during the evaluation of their convective drying. Results indicate that okra maturity influences its convective drying. It dries faster when it is too young or when it is advanced age. Drying time of okra of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days old is respectively 580 min, 780 min, 990 min, 1200 min and 850 min. Also, one observes that considering okra on its three zones according it length, i.e. its base, middle and extremity parts have not the same resistance to transfers during convective drying. These three zones have respectively 400 min, 520 min and 600 min of drying time. Okra cut reveals a major importance on its convective drying evaluation. The longitudinal cut di-viding okra on four parts, sliced with 5 mm and 10 mm of thickness and the whole okra put respectively 150 min, 200 min, 280 min and 400 min for their drying. At last, three (03) different constituents of okra, namely, the skin, the seeds and central material behave differently during convective drying. The drying time of the central material, the seeds and the skin is about 70 min, 150 min and 190 min respectively, against 400 min for the whole okra.

Okra Leaves—Agricultural Waste for the Removal of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) from Contaminated Water

The present study demonstrates the sorptive efficiency of okra leaves for the Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in aqueous system. The batch dynamic sorption method was carried out as the function of the pH of the solution, sorbent doze, initial bulk concentration, shaking speed and contact time. The experimental data were examined by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Cr(III) at pH-4.0 and Cr(VI) pH-2.0 showed a maximum sorption capacities 221.17 mg/g and 81.94 mg/g respectively. Kinetically experimental data of both chromium species were well fitted to pseudo second order rate, Elovich, Morris-Weber and Richenberg equations. Positive values of enthalpy change and negative values of Gibbs free energy indicated the endothermic and spontaneous nature of sorption reaction respectively. The developed method was applied to real ground water samples (affected by industrial wastewater). Up to 92.15% of chromium metal was removed from the real water samples.

OKRA (HIBISCUS ESCULENTUS) AND FENUGREEK (TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRACEUM) MUCILAGE:CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATION AS FLOCCULANTS FOR TEXTILE EFFLUENT TREATMENTS

The use of new food grade polysaccharides (mucilage) obtained from Hibiscus esculentus and Trigonella foenum graceum,commonly called Okra and Fenugreek,respectively,as flocculants was described.These polysaccharides were used for removal of solids (suspended solids (SS) and total dissolved solids (TDS)) and dyes from real textile effluents and aqueous solutions of different class of synthetic dyes.Influences of varying polysaccharide concentration,contact time and pH on removal of pollutant from the textile...

Characterization of Okra Convective Drying, Influence of Maturity

An experimental study for the drying kinetics of whole okra was carried out. In the study, different ages were considered by taking into account influence of okra maturity on its convective drying. The 2D moisture evolution inside the product and its maturity were evaluated by fitting experimental data versus drying time. The water effective diffusion coefficient of okra at different maturity states was gotten by the experimental model using Fick’s second law. A parametric study was carried out in the ranging of okra age from 2 to 7 days at 60℃, both fruits gathered on the same plant to avoid divergences due to okra varieties that can induce difference on physical structure and the chemical composition. It was found from the experimental results that okra maturity has important influence on its behaviour during convective drying. At 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 days old, the drying effective time was respectively 780, 1000, 1155, 850 and 750 min. Effective diffusivity of the okra in this order of age was 1.38 × 10-10, 6.09 × 10-11, 1.23 × 10-11, 8.98 × 10-11, and 1.05 × 10-10 m2/s in the present study, while the average initial moisture content was respectively 12.27, 9.00, 7.53, 5.97 and 4.92 Kgw/Kgdm.