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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

Effects of Convolvulus arvensis Water Extract on Germination of Okra Under Different Seed Sizes

Convolvulus arvensis is a toxic allelopathic weed that suppresses germination and growth of crops. The prime object of present study was to investigate effect of Convolvulus arvensis water extract on germination and performance of okra with different seed sizes. The seeds of okra variety pusa green were separated into three different sizes, viz large size （4.00-5.00 mm）, medium size （3.00-3.50 mm） and small size （2.00-3.50 mm）, and then soaked in allelopathic plant bindweed water extract and kept in patrisdishes for germination into the germinator at 15℃. The experiment was laid out using Complete Randomized Design （CRD） with three replications. The results showed that after sowing of 12 days the highest germination was observed in non-treated seeds as compared to seeds treated in Convolvulus arvensis water extract for 1 h, further non-treated large seeds produced maximum plants as compared to treated small seeds after sowing of 24 days. Meanwhile, root length, shoot length, root fresh and dry weight, shoot fresh and dry weight were recorded higher in non-treated large seeds as compared to small seeds soaked for 1 h in Convolvulus arvensis allelopthic water extract. It could be found that Convolvulus arvensis affected germination, seed growth and overall performance of okra, further presence Convolvulus arvensis in crops could cause negative impact on germination and integrity of okra crops.

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.

Antioxidant Activities of Okra Protein Concentrate and Isolate after Enzymatic Hydrolysis

Three different proteolytic enzymes (pepsin, trypsin and papain) were used to prepare okra seed protein concentrate and okra seed protein isolate hydrolysates. The hydrolysates were assayed for antioxidant properties using radical scavenging, reducing power and metal chelating assays. The highest degree of hydrolysis (after 360 min) for okra protein isolates was 35.20%, 35.21% and 10.53% for pepsin, papain and trypsin respectively. The highest degree of hydrolysis (after 360 min) for okra protein concentrates was 26.8%, 28.59% and 6.47% for pepsin, papain and trypsin respectively. Pepsin hydrolysates showed higher metal chelating activity and radical scavenging activity than trypsin and papain hydrolysates. Trypsin hydrolysates showed the lowest antioxidant activities, which may be due to the low degree of hydrolysis. In general, for antioxidant activity, there was an increase in activity with an increase in the degree of hydrolysis. Similar antioxidant activity was found in both the okra protein isolate and concentrate hydrolysates except for metal chelating activity which was higher in okra protein isolate hydrolysates. This may be due to the higher ash concentration in the concentrates (9.4% in concentrates vs. 2.6% in isolates). In this study, pepsin hydrolysates with a final DH of 35.2% showed higher reducing power and metal chelating activity than trypsin and papain hydrolysates. Okra protein hydrolysates were found to have varying levels of antioxidant activity, which was dependent on the specificity of the protease and proportional to the degree of hydrolysis achieved.

Influence of Active Charcoal and Plant Position on Some Morphological Parameters of a Local Variety of Okra (<i>Abelmoschus caillei</i>)

Okra is a plant rich in nutrients and is very well consumed in C&ocirc;te d’Ivoire. Despite its many benefits, the production of this vegetable is still weak in our country. The reasons for this include the inadequate selection of varieties, the high cost of inputs and the poverty of the soil for its cultivation. One of the alternatives for sustained production is to solve the problem of soil fertility. In the case of our work, the aim is to improve the yield of okra. To achieve this goal, experiments were undertaken to evaluate the impact of activated charcoal on morphological parameters of a local okra variety. For this purpose, the charcoal used was activated in three different times (activation time equal to 0 days, 15 days and 30 days). The experimental device used is a split-plot with three repetitions, each comprising 12 elementary plots. The various charcoals were buried the same day. Then, the seedling was done with two positions including outside position and inside position. Observations were made on 360 plants. An analysis of the variances was carried out on the morphological parameters. Fruit mass is the variable most influenced by activated charcoal. Thus, the greatest value of the mass was obtained with the charcoal CA0, with outside position.

Yellow Vein Mosaic Disease in Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus L.):An Overview on Causal Agent,Vector and Management

Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus L.)belongs to the Malvaceae family and is one of the most essential and popular vegetables globally.It is rich in proteins,carbohydrates,and vitamins.Abiotic and biotic factors threaten okra productivity.Okra yellow vein mosaic disease(OYVMD)is the most destructive disease of okra.The causal agent,[i.e.,Okra yellow vein mosaic virus(OYVMV)]of this disease belongs to the family Geminiviridae and genus Begomovirus.OYVMV is a monopartite with additional ssDNA molecule.This virus has two components DNA-A for protein coding and DNA-B for symptoms induction.Whitefly transmits OYVMV in persistent manner.Characteristic symptoms of OYVMV infected okra plants are chlorosis,dwarfing,and yellowing of veins and fruits.High temperatures with moderate rainfall enhance the development of OYVMV disease and the whitefly population.However,high humidity with low temperature and rainfall has no significant role in developing the OYVMD and whitefly population.Moreover,the virus also affects the secondary metabolites in the infected okra plants.The virus can be managed through various strategies including the application of plant defense activators,the development of resistant varieties and by controlling its vector via pesticides and plant extracts.Various plant defense activators such as monopotassium phosphate(KH2PO),salicylic acid,benzoic acid,and citric acid enhance resistance in okra against OYMVD.In addition,the resistance to OYMVD can also be achieved by successfully incorporating high yielding but resistant cultivars of acceptable quality.In this review,we have discussed history,economic impact,symptomology,disease development under a natural environment,genetics and management of OYVMV.

New Matrix Tablet from Okra Gum: Effects of Method of Preparation and Gum Concentration on Tablet Properties

The objective of this investigation is to study the effect of methods of preparation and concentration of gum on the compressional and mechanical properties of Okra gum matrix. The compressional behavior of Okra gum matrices prepared by direct compression and wet granulations is analyzed using density measurements, Heckel and Kawakita analysis while the mechanical properties of the formulations were assessed using crushing strength (CS) and friability (FR) as well as CSFR ratio. Formulations prepared by direct compression had lower Pk values than those prepared by wet granulation while there was no significant difference between Py values of formulations prepared by direct compression and wet granulations. Therefore, formulations prepared by direct compression underwent plastic deformation more easily and rapidly than those prepared by wet granulation. The results show that DB values increased with decrease in concentration of the gum and granules undergo higher degree of fragmentation than powders. Formulations containing 90% w/w Okra gum exhibited the highest amount of total plastic deformation and gave the best packing. Tablets prepared by direct compression showed lower bond strength and higher friability values than those prepared by wet granulations. The crushing strength generally decreases with a decrease in the concentration of the gum while there was an inverse relationship between friability and gum concentration. CSFR decreases with a decrease in gum concentration and tablets prepared by wet granulations showed significantly higher values of CSFR

A Kinetic Investigation of the Pulverized Okra Pod Induced Coag-Flocculation in Treatment of Paint Wastewater

The effectiveness of locally available okra pod powder as natural coagulant under varying pH, dosage and settling time in the removal of turbidity from paint waste water at room temperature has been evaluated. The application of single angle Turbidimeter measurement was employed for the experiment. Such kinetic and functional parameter as coagulation rate constant (K), and coagulation period (τ1/2) , were determined. Statistical parameters such as coefficient of determination (R2), sum of squares due to error (SSE), and the root mean square error (RMSE), were used to evaluate the adequacy of the process. The highest value of 1.7×10﹣4L/mg.min for K is recorded at pH 4 and 100 mg/L dosage with?τ1/2 of 14.91 min and the least value of K, 3.6×10﹣5L/mg.min is recorded at pH 8 and 300 mg/L doses with τ1/2 of 70.43 min respectively. The efficiency of turbidity removal of more than 80% and 95% was achieved at the end of 3 mins and 30 mins settling time respectively, indicating a system controlled by perikinetic method of coag-flocculation. The results exhibited the potential of pulverized okra pod for removal of suspended particle from paint wastewater.