Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.). Moench.

)
(Syn: lady’’s finger, Bhindi)
Introduction:
 It is fast gowing annual herb.
 The crop is widely cultivated throughout the year in the tropics.
 It is good source of vitamin A and B, protein and minerals.
 It is excellent source of iodine and is useful for the treatment of Goitre
 Okra is a nutritious vegetable which plays important role to meet the demand of
vegetable are scanty in the market
 In India okra is commercially grown in the states of Gujrat, AP, UP, TN, Karnataka,
Haryana, Bihar and Punjab
Uses
 The crop is cultivated for its young tender fruitsUsed in curry and soups after
cooking.
 The immature pods may also be pickled.
 Okra leaves may be cooked in a similar manner as the greens of beets or dandelions.
 Fruit is useful against genito-urinary disorders, spermetorrhoea and Cronic dysentery.
 Fruit is also dried or frozen for use during off-season
 Dried fruit contain 13-22% edible oil and 20-24% protein and used for refined edible oil.
 Dry fruit skin and fibres are used in manufacture of paper, card board and fibres. Root
and stem are used for clearing cane juce for preparation of jaggary
 Okra seeds may be roasted and ground to form a caffeine-free substitute for coffee
Origin and distribution:
 Okra originated in tropical and subtropcal Africa.
 Existence of a large number of related species with wide variability and dominant
characters suggest possible role of india as a secondary centere of origin
 In India major okra growing state are UP, Bihar and west Bengal
Taxonomy
 Cultivated okra belonging to Malvaceae family, it was earlier placed Hibiscus
esculentus L.
 Most of cultivated varieties are amphidiploids with 2n=130.
 Abelmoschus Esculentus is noted for its chromosome polymorphism and 2n ranged
from 72-144.
 The chs no of A.esculentus is 2n=130 which is evolved by crossing A. Tuberculatus
(20=58) with A.ficulneus (2n=72). The F1 developed was subjected to colchicine
treatment to make it an amphidiploids, A.esculentus (2n=130).
 Similarly, A. caillei a complex polyploidy can be evolved by colchine treatment of F1
of cross between A.manihot and A. Esculentus.
 Four species viz. A.esculentus, A. Manihot, A. Caillei and A. Moshatus include both
cultivated and wild forms.
Botany:
 Cultivated bhindi is an annual herb with duration of 90-100 days
 It is basically self-pollinated crop, however, cross pollination through insect can be as
high as 19%, hence okra is classified as often cross pollinated vegetable crops.
 Flowers are bisexual
 Time of anthesis is 8.00-10.00 am about 20 min after anthesis. Flowers remain open
for shorter duration and wither in afternoon
 The stigma is receptive during anthesis, hence pollination is not very successful at bud
stage.
 Fruit is capsule
  Okra is an erect, herbaceous, annual crop.
 Stem is green with or without reddish tinge.
 Leaves are alternate, 3-7 lobed palmate, hirsute and serrate.
 Flowers are solitary, axillary having epicalyx (upto 10)

CYTOGENETIC RELATIONSHIP
 There are significant variations in the chromosome numbers and ploidy levels of
different sepceis in the genus Abelmoschus.
 The lowest number reported is 2n=56 for A. angulosus whereas the highest
chromosome number reported are close to 200 for A. manihot var. caillei
 The chromosome number within A. esculentus, s 2n = 72, 108, 120, 132 and 144 are
in regular series of polyploids with n = 12.
Classification in the genus Abelmoschus
1 A. moschatus
2. A. esculentus (L.) Moench
3. A. manihot (L.)
4. A. tuberculatus
5. A. crinitus
6 5. A. ficulneus (L.)
7 7. A. angulosus
8 A. caillei

Soil: Okra grows best in light soils ranging from sandy loam to loam though it gives good
crop in heavy soil with efficient drainage facility during rainy season. The soil should be well
drained as it is sensitive to water logging. The most ideal pH range for its cultivation is 6.0 to
6.8.
Climate: It is a warm season crop, sensitive to fluctuating environment and grows luxuriantly
in warm and humid weather. The optimum temperature for better seed germination should be
atleast 18oC, optimum being 25-30oC. Optimum temperature for its better growth is 24-27oC
and temperature above 42oC causes flower drop. A temperature range of 30-35oC is
desirable for improved pollination and subsequent seed setting.

Varieties and Varietal characterization

Pusa Makhmali: Released by IARI, New Delhi. Variety produces light green fruits. Highly
susceptible to Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV).
Punjab no. 13: Released by PAU, Ludhiana. Suitable for cultivating in spring-summer
season. Fruits are light green, 5-ridged and of medium length. Susceptible to mosaic.
Punjab Padmini: Released by PA, Ludhiana. Fruits are quick growing, dark green, hairy, 5-
ridged and remain tender for a longer period. Matures within 55-60 days after sowing.
Tolerant to Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV).
Pusa Sawani: Released by IARI, New Delhi. It is suitable for cultivating in spring, summer
and rainy season. Fruits are dark green, smooth with 5 ridges and about 10-12 cm long at the
marketable stage. Crop matures within 50 days from sowing. Average yield is 12-15 t/ha.
Susceptible to Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV).
Parbhani Kranti: Released from MPKV, Parbhani in Maharashtra. Fruits are medium-long
with tender smooth surface at marketable stage. Fruits have a good keeping quality. Average
yield is 8.5-11.5 t/ha in 120 days. Tolerant to Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV).
Arka Anamika: Released from IIHR, Bangalore. Fruits are borne in two flushes. During first
flush, the fruits are borne on the main stem 45-50 days after sowing. During second flush, the
fruits are borne on short branches,which sprout from the middle portion of the main stem.
Fruits are spineless with 5-6 ridges, delicate aroma and good keeping quality. Resistant to
Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV). Average yield is 20 t/ha in 130 days.
Kashi Mohini (VRO-3):
Plants tall, (110-140 cm), flowers at 4th-5th node during summer and 5th-7th node during
rainy season after 39-41 days of sowing, fruits with five ridges, 11.3 – 12.6 cm long pods at
marketable stage, suitable for summer and rainy season cultivation, yield 130-150 q/ha.
resistant to YVMV under field conditions.
Kashi Mangali (VRO-4):
Developed through pure line selection, plants tall, height 120-125 cm, flowers at 4th to 5th
node after 40-42 days after sowing, fruits five ridged, light green, yield 130-150 q/ha,
resistant to YVMV under field conditions.
Kashi Vibhuti (VRO-5):
A variety with dwarf growth habit, plant height 60-70 cm during rainy and 45-50 cm during
summer season, bears 2-3 branches with short-inter-nodal length, flowering starts on 4th to
5th node after 38-40 days after sowing, plant bears 18-22 fruits of 8-10 cm length at
marketable stage, yield 170-180 q/ha, resistant to YVMV.
Kashi Pragati (VRO-6):
Plants tall (130-175 cm) with 1-2 effective branches, first flower appears after 36-38 days
after sowing on 4th node during rainy season and 3rd node during summer season, fruits 8-10
cm in length at marketable stage, 23-25 pods plant and yield 180-190 q/ha during rainy and
130-140 q/ha during summer season, resistant to YVMV.
Kashi Satdhari (IIVR-10):
Plant height 130-150 cm with 2-3 effective branches, flowering at 42 days after sowing at 3rd
to 4th node, 18-25 fruits/plant with seven ridges, fruit length 13-15 cm at marketable stage,
yield 110-140 q/ha, resistant to YVMV under field conditions.
Kashi Lila (IIVR-11):
Medium plant height (110-130 cm), flowering at 30-34 days after sowing, suitable for
cultivation during rainy and summer seasons as early crop due to low temperature tolerance,
fruits have five ridges, green and 13-15 cm long, resistant to YVMV, yield 150-170 q/ha.
Hybrids:
Shitla Uphar (DVR-1):
Plants medium tall, (110-130 cm), flowering at 38-40 days after sowing at 4th-5th node,
fruits green, 11-13 cm long at marketable stages, yield 150-170 q/ha, resistant to yellow vein
mosaic virus.
Shitla Jyoti (DVR-2):
Plants medium tall, (110-150 cm), flowering at 30-40 days after sowing at 4th-5th node, fruit
green, 12-14 cm long at marketable stage, yield 180-200 q/ha, resistant to YVMV.
Kashi Bhairav (DVR-3):
Plants medium tall with 2-3 branches, fruits dark green, 10-12 cm long at marketable stage,
yield 200-220 q/ha, resistant to YVMV under field conditions.
Kashi Mahima (DVR-4):
Plants tall, height 130-170 cm, flowering at 36-40 days after sowing at 4th-5th node, fruits
green, 12-14 cm long at marketable stage, yield 200-220 q/ha, field resistance against
YVMV.
Seed Rate (kg/ha): 15-20 (Spring-summer crop) and 10-12 (Rainy season) Seed germination
can be enhanced by soaking the seed in water for 12-24 hours or GA3 at 10 and 50 ppm or
immersing the seeds for 5 minutes in pure acetone
Spacing: 30-45cm × 15 cm(Spring-summer) and 60cm × 20-30 cm (Rainy season)
Sowing
 Okra should be planted in well pulverized field by ploughing first with soil turning
plough and afterwards with 4 to 5 ploughings with country plough. Ploughing should be
followed by levelling.
Sowing Time

Indo-Gangetic plains: Spring-summer crop: February-March

Autumn-winter crop: July- September
Eastern India: January-February
Western & South India: November to March-April and crop is over by February
Hilly regions: March-April-June
Most parts of India : Rainy season crop: June-July

Plains : Jan- March (Summer). May-July (Rainy)

Hills : March-April
Manures and fertilizers: FYM @200-250 quintals per ha should be applied at the time of
field preparation. In addition, apply 60-75 kg N, 50-60 kg phosphorus (P2O5) and 50-60 kg
potassium (K2O) kg per hectare depending upon the fertility status of the soil. Apply half of
nitrogen and full dose of phosphorus and potassium at the time of sowing and remaining
nitrogen can be top dressed after one month of sowing.
Interculture and weed control: Weeds cause more than 50% reduction in the marketable
yield of okra. Frequent weedings are necessary to keep the crop weed free. First weeding may
be done at 15-20 days and second at 40-45 days after sowing to keep the crop weed free at
critical stages. Pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin @1 kg ai/ha or Alachlor @
4litres/ha or Fluchloralin @ 2.5 litres/ha + 1 hand weeding is effective to keep crop weed
free.
Irrigation: Pre-sowing irrigation is necessary especially in spring-summer crop which
ensures adequate germination and uniform crop stand. Then, next irrigation is to be provided
after seed germination and the subsequent irrigations at 4-5 days interval during summer
crop. Drainage of water is required as per frequency and intensity of rains during monsoon
season. Depending on the soil moisture content irrigation should be done once a week or 10
days. Irrigation during flowering and pod setting are very crucial.
Harvesting: The fruits attain marketable maturity in about 45-60 days after sowing. Only
tender and small fruits (5-8cm long) should be harvested preferably in the evening or
morning. Frequent pickings are necessary for getting better quality fruits and handsome
prices in the market. Delayed harvesting though increase yield but reduce the quality and
profit margin, and even sometimes the entire produce is rendered unfit for marketing. For
export purpose, dark green fruits about 6-8cm long should be harvested. Yield: 80-100q/ha
(Spring-summer) and 120-150q/ha (Rainy season)

DISEASES AND PESTS

Damping off: It is caused by fungus Fusarium, Pythium and Rhizoctonia. The disease causes
pre and post emergence death of seedlings. Seed treatment with captan or thiram or
bavistin @ 3g/kg of seed is recommended.
Powdery mildew: It is caused by fungus Erisiphe cichorum. White powdery growth appear
on both sides of the leaf causing yellowing and death of leaves and plants. The
disease can be controlled effectively by spray Sulfex (0.2%) or dinocap (0.05%) at
10 days interval.
Cercospora leaf spot: It is caused by fungus Cercospora spp. There is appearance of spots in
the leaf with grey centres and red borders. When the disease is severe, complete
defoliation occurs. Spray mancozeb (0.2%) or Captan (0.2%) or carbendazim (0.1%)
 at the appearance of the disease incidence.
Yellow vein mosaic virus: It is very destructive disease of okra. Yield losses due to this
disease may vary 25-100% depending upon the stage at which the plant is infested.
The veins of diseased leaves become yellow resulting in homogenous interwoven net
work of yellow veins. In extreme cases, the infected leaves become totally yellow or
cream colour. Infected plants remain stunted and bear very few deformed and small
fruits. It is transmitted by white fly (Bemisia tabaci). Disease incidence can be
reduced by checking the development of insect vector by the application of 4 to 5
foliar sprays of recommended insecticides. Infected plants must be removed from the
field. Grow resistant varieties like P-8, Varsha Uphar, Arka Anamika, and Parbhani
Kranti.
Shoot and fruit borer (Earias spp.): The insect larvae are light yellow with black spots.
They bore into the shoots during vegetative stage and feeds inside as a result of
which the shoots droop down and dry-up. In the later stages, it infests the fruits
which become disfigured and show holes. Grow tolerant varieties like Perkins Long
Green, Varsha Uphaar. Remove and destroy damaged shoots and fruits. Application
of carbaryl (0.1%) and malathion (0.05%) is effective.
White fly (Bemisia tabaci): It causes chlorotic spots on leaves. The insects secrete a sticky
substanceknown as honeydew, which covers leaves and flowers. As a result, the
sooty mould develops and plant growth is reduced. Plants affected by viral disease
must be uprooted and destroyed. Monitoring the adult population with yellow sticky
traps for early prediction and timely application of insecticide. Spray imidachloropid
@ 1-1.5 ml/L water.

Post-harvest management: For local markets, fruits are cooled and packed in jute bags or
baskets, covered or stitched and then water is sprinkled over the bags, which helps in cooling
as well as maintaining the turgidity of fruits thereby saving the produce from bruises,
blemishes and blackening. For export, 5-8 kg size perforated paper cartons are ideal wherein
pre-cooled fruits are packed and transported preferably in refrigerated vans.
Storage: Fresh okra fruits can be stored at 7-9 oC at 70-75% relative humidity for a couple of
days without much loss of colour, texture or weight. Fruit can be stored for 2 weeks at 8-10 oC
at 90% relative humidity.