Okra Area Under Cultivation The major bhendi (okra) producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Botanical Name : Abelmoschus esculentus Family : Malvaceae Plant Discription : It is an annual erect herb 0.9 to 2.1 m in height, hairy, with 3 to 5 lobed palmately cordate leaves. The plants bear 12.5 to 30 cm pyramidal pods.
Centre of origin : Africa Pollination system : Cross pollinated Chromosome no : 2n=72,120,130,132 Nutritional Levels : Moisture (%)
Protein (%)
Fat (%)
Mineral matter (%)
Fibre (%)
Carbohydrate (%)
Calories (K Cal)
89.6
1.9
0.2
0.7
1.2
6.4
35
Phosphorus (mg/100g)
Potassium (mg/100g)
Calcium (mg/100g)
Magnesium (mg/100g)
Iron (mg/100g)
Sodium (mg/100g)
Copper (mg/100g)
56
103
66
53
0.35
6.9
0.11
Manganese (mg/100g)
Zinc (mg/100g)
Sulphur (mg/100g)
Chlorine (mg/100g)
Molybdium (mg/100g)
Cromium (mg/100g)
0.15
0.42
30
41
0
0.005
Carotene (mg/100g)
Thiamine (mg/100g)
Riboflavin (mg/100g)
Niacin (mg/100g)
Vitamin C (mg/100g)
Choline (mg/100g)
Folic acid-Free (mg/100g)
52
0.07
0.1
0.6
13
0
25.3
Minerals
Vitamins
Folic acid- Total (mg/100g) 105.1
Okra Diseases Damping Off (Pythium sp., Rhizoctonia sp.): Cool, cloudy weather, high humidity, wet soils, compacted soil, and overcrowding especially favor development of damping-off. Damping-off kills seedlings before or soon after they emerge. Infection before seedling emergence results in poor germination. If the decay is after seedlings emergence, they fall over or die which is referred to as "damp-off." The destructiveness of the disease depends on the amount of pathogen in the soil and on environmental conditions. Seedlings that emerge develop a lesion near where the tender stem contacts the soil surface. The tissues beneath the lesion become soft due to which the seedlings collapse. Control: Excessive irrigation should be avoided to reduce humidity around the plants. Seed treatment with antagonist fungal culture of Trichoderma viride (3-4 g/kg of seed) or Thiram (2-3 g /kg of seed) and soil drenching with Dithane M 45 (0.2%) or Bavistin (0.1%) affords protection against the disease. The field should be regularly inspected for the disease-affected seedlings. Such seedlings should be removed and destroyed.
Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum): This disease is caused by fungi, which persist in the soil for a very long time. Initially the plants show temporary wilting symptoms, which becomes permanent and progressive, affecting more vines. The leaves of the affected plants show yellowing, loose turgidity and show drooping symptoms. Eventually, the plant dies. In older plants, leaves wilt suddenly and vascular bundles in the collar region become yellow or brown. The fungus invades the root system and colonizes the vascular system. In doing so, water movement is blocked and toxins from the fungus alter normal cell function. Cutting the base of the stem reveals a dark woody portion. No control is available other than a long rotation. All varieties are susceptible. Control: Continuous cultivation of bhendi on the same piece of land should be avoided. In case of fields severely infected by the wilt pathogen practicing long crop rotations is useful in reducing the pathogen population. Three sprays of Karathane (6g in 10 litres of water) or Bavistin (1g/litre of water) immediately on appearance of initial symptoms at 5-6 days interval checks the spread of the disease. Leaves of fully grown plants should be thoroughly drenched during spraying.
Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum): The disease is found mainly on the older leaves and stems of plants. Yields of many of the infected vegetables are reduced due to premature foliage loss. Increased humidity can increase the severity of the disease, and infection is enhanced during periods of heavy dew. The disease symptoms appear as subtle, small, round, whitish spots on leaves and sometimes stems. The spots enlarge and coalesce rapidly and a white mass resembling talcum powder becomes evident on the upper surface of older leaves or other plant parts. Young leaves are almost immune.
A large part of the talc-like powder on the leaf surface is composed of spores. These spores are easily blown by winds to nearby susceptible plants. Heavily infected leaves become yellow, then become dry and brown. Extensive premature defoliation of the older leaves can ensue if the disease is not controlled. Control : Healthy, vigorous leaves and stems are less prone to infection. Plants under nutritional stress in most cases will develop powdery mildew much sooner than plants the same age grown under a good nutritional program. Hence the plant should be well manured and application of fertilizers should be done on the basis of standard recommendations. Application of Wettable Sulphur (0.2%) or Bavistin (0.1%) or at an interval of 1 week interval effectively controls the disease.
Cercospora Leaf Spot (Cercospora abelmoschi and C. malayensis): C. malayensis causes brown, irregular spots and C. abelmoschi causes sooty black angular spots. The affected leaves roll wilt and fall. The disease causes severe defoliation during humid seasons. Control: Since the fungus survives on the diseased plant material, removal and destruction and of diseased plant material helps to check the spread of the disease. The disease is effectively controlled by spraying with Copper Oxychloride (0.3%) or Zineb (0.2%) starting from about a month after sowing and repeating at fortnightly intervals, depending upon the severity of the disease incidence.
Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV): This is the most important and destructive viral disease in bhendi. The disease infects at all the stages of crop growth and severely reduces growth and yield. The disease is transmitted by white fly. The characteristic symptoms of the disease are a homogenous interwoven network of yellow veins enclosing islands of green tissues. Initially infected leaves exhibit only yellow coloured veins but in the later stages, the entire leaf turns completely yellow. In extreme cases, the infected leaf become totally light yellow or cream coloured and there is no trace of green colour. At times, enations (raised structures) are observed on the under surface of infected leaf. Plants infected in the early stages remain stunted. The fruits of the infected plants exhibit pale yellow colour, deformed, small and tough in texture. Control: Removal and destruction of virus affected plants and planting of disease resistance varieties reduces the disease incidence. Controlling the whitefly population minimizes the incidence of YVMV. Soil application of Carbofuran (1kg a.i./ha) at the time of sowing and 4-5 foliar sprays of Dimethoate (0.05%) or Metasystox ( 0.02%) or Nuvacron (0.05%) at an interval of 10 days effectively controls the whitefly population.
Enation Leaf Curl of Bhendi: The natural transmission if the disease occurs through whitefly. The disease symptoms appear prominently on the lower surface of the leaf as small, pin head enations. These later on become warty and rough textured. Size of the leaf is reduced. The most characteristic symptoms of the disease are twisting of the main stem and lateral branches along with enations. The bending of the plants is so severe that the entire plant appears to be creeping on the soil surface. Twisting of leaf petiole is conspicuous. The leaves become thick and leathery in structure. In case of heavy infection the newly emerged leaves also exhibit bold enations, thickening and curling. Fruits produced on the infected plants are few and deformed. Control: Removal and destruction of virus affected plants reduces the disease incidence. Controlling the whitefly population minimizes the incidence of YVMV. 4-5 foliar sprays of Dimethoate (0.05%) or Monocrotophos (0.02%) at an interval of 10 days effectively controls the whitefly population.
Okra Harvesting The fruits are ready for harvest in about 45-60 days after seed sowing depending upon variety and season. Size of the pod and stage at which it is harvested varies with variety/hybrid and market preference. Generally, medium sized (7-10 cm long) tender pods, which can be easily snapped from the plant, are harvested. As all the fruits do not mature at the same time, harvesting is carried out once in 3-4 days. Frequent picking promotes fruit development and prevents the pods from growing too large.
Yield Yield of the Bhendi varies greatly depending upon variety and season of cultivation. On an average bhendi yields 7.5-10 t/ha while the yield of hybrid varieties ranges from 15-22 t/ha.
Okra Intercultural Operations Weed control It is necessary to keep the crop weed free during the first 20-25 days of plant growth. A total of 3 to 4 weedings are needed. The first weeding is done when the seedlings are two weeks old and subsequent weddings are done at an interval of 25 days. Pre-emergence application of Basalin 48 EC (1.5kg a.i./ha) or Stomp 30 EC (0.75 kg a.i./ha) followed by one hand weeding at 20-25 days after sowing effectively controls the weed growth.
Okra Irrigation Irrigation frequency in bhendi crop varies with the season and the soil type. Bhendi is grown without irrigation in rainy season in high rainfall area where distribution of rainfall is uniform throughout the growing season. A light irrigation is given soon after seed sowing to ensure good germination. The crop is irrigated at an interval of 4-5 days in summer. Moisture stress at fruit setting stage reduces the fruit quality and the yield. Normally the crop is irrigated by adopting the furrow method of irrigation.
Okra Manuring & Fertilization The fertilizer dose depends upon the fertility of soil and amount of organic manure applied to the crop. About 20-25 t/ha of FYM is mixed at the time of land preparation. Generally, application of 100 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O is recommended for optimum yield. Half dose of N and full dose of P and K are applied at the time of planting. The balance half of N if given 30 days after sowing followed by earthing up operation. Fertilizers are applied by opening up a deep narrow furrow on one side of each sowing ridge. Generally, nitrogen fertilizers like urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and ammonium sulphate should be used for this crop. For hybrid varieties the recommended dose is 150 kg N, 112 kg P2O5 and 75 Kg K2O. Out of this dose, 30 % of N and 50 % of P & K is applied as basal dose. Remaining 50 % of P and 40 % of N and 25 % of K is applied as first top dressing four weeks after sowing. Balance quantity of 30 % N and 25 % K is applied as second top dressing about 7 weeks after sowing.
Okra Pests Shoot and Fruit Borer (Earias vittela and E. insulana): The incidence of fruit borers usually occurs during humid conditions after the rainfall. The adult female lays eggs individually on leaves, floral buds and on tender fruits. Small brown caterpillars bore into the top shoot and feeds inside the shoot before fruit formation. Later on they bore into the fruits and feed within. Affected fruits become unfit for consumption. Control: The infested fruits and shoots should be removed regularly and buried deep in the soil. Spraying with Endosulfan 35 EC (2 ml/litre of water) or Quinalphos 25 EC (2 ml/litre of water) or Carbaryl (4 g/litre of water) effectively controls the pest. Before spraying all the affected plant parts should be removed.
Leaf Hopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula): This pest attacks the crop at its early stage of growth. Small, greenish leaf hoppers; nymphs and adults are found on the under side of the leaves. The adults and the nymphs suck the cell sap from the leaves. As a result the leaves curl upwards along the margins and have a burnt look which extend over the entire leaf area. The affected plants show a stunted growth. Control: Soil application of Carbofuran 3 G (1 kg a.i./ha) at the time of sowing effectively controls the pest. Spraying the crop with Monocrotophos (0.05%) at fortnightly intervals starting with the appearance of the pest provides a good control.
Okra Stemfly (Melanagromyza hibisci): The maggots of this fly attack 15-30 days old plants causing nodulated galls and swellings. At later stages, the maggots of this fly damage the petioles resulting in complete defoliation of the affected plant. Control: Application of Carbofuran or Phorate @ 1 kg a.i./ha protects the main stem from the pest attack during the seedling stage.
Mites (Tetranychus spp.): The infestation of mites is mostly observed during the warm and dry periods of the season. Nymphs and adults suck cell sap and whitish grey patches appear on leaves. Affected leaves become mottled, turn brown and fall. Control: Spraying with Wettable Sulphur 80 WP (2 g/ litre of water) or Dicofol 18.5 EC (2.5 ml/litre of water) effectively control the mites.
White Fly (Bemisia tabaci): The milky white minute flies; nymphs and adults suck the cell sap from the leaves. The affected leaves curl and dry. The affected plants show a stunted growth. White flies are also responsible for transmitting yellow vein mosaic virus. Control: Soil application of Carbofuran (1 kg a.i./ha) at the time of sowing and 4-5 foliar sprays of Dimethoate (0.05%) or Metasystox (0.02%) or Nuvacron (0.05%) at an interval of 10 days effectively controls the whitefly population.
Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita): The root-knot nematode enters the roots causing characteristic root knots or galls. The aerial symptoms consist mainly of stunted plant growth and yellowing of leaves. Nematode attack in the seedling stage leads to pre- and post-emergence damage resulting in reduced crop stand. Control: Cultural control methods such as rotation with non-host crops such as cereals, fallowing and deep ploughing 2-3 times in summer months is recommended. Application of Nemagon (30 litres/ha) with irrigation before sowing is recommended to protect the seedling in its early stage of plant growth. .
Okra Post Harvest Technology Grading After harvesting the fruits, they are stored under shade. The diseased and deformed fruits are sorted. Before sending to the market, the fruits may be graded according to the size.
Packaging The harvested fruits are packed in baskets and covered with gunny bags before transporting to the local markets. For exports, the fruits are loose packed in 2.5-5 kg boxes. The boxes should be ventilated and preferably be with full lid.
Storage O
Shelf life of bhendi can be extended upto 8-10 days by storing them at 7-10 C with 95% relative humidity. Bhendi is chilling sensitive and exposure to temperatures below 7 OC for a short time can result in discolouration, pitting and decay. Similarly temperatures above 10OC causes yellowing, toughening and rapid decay.
Cool Chain Cool chain is essential during the transport of export quality commodity all the way from the farm to the customer. This helps in maintaining the temperature inside the box at the same low level as in the cold storage. The various stages of the cool chain are: 1. Coldstore at the farm. 2. Refrigerated truck from farm to the airport 3. Coldstore at the airport. 4. Building up of the pallet in a coldstore at the airport. 5. Loading the aircrafts directly from the coldstore in a short time. 6. Cargo aircraft maintains coldstore temperature in hold. 7. Off loading direct into a coldstore in the receiving country. 8. Refrigerated truck to the customers.
Okra Planting Land preparation : The land should be well prepared with 2-3 ploughing. Well decomposed FYM (25 t/ha) is incorporated at the time of land preparation. Bhendi is sown on ridges or on flat soil. If soil is heavy, sowing should be done on ridges. Application of organic manure like neem cake and poultry manures improves the plant growth and the yield in this crop. It is possible to reduce the use fertilizer by using neem cake and poultry manures.
Season of Planting : The optimum time of seed sowing varies greatly depending upon climate, varieties and their temperature requirement for growth. Normally the crop is sown between January-March and JuneAugust. The exact month of sowing depends on the region.
Spacing : The hybrid varieties are planted at a spacing of 75 x 30 cm or 60 x 45 cm. A pre-soaking irrigation 3-4 days before sowing is beneficial. The seeds germinate in about 4-5 days.
Method of Planting : B hendi requires about 3.5-5.5 kg seeds/ha during summer seasons and 8-10 kg seeds/ha for rainy season crop. The seed rate generally varies with germination percentage, spacing and season. Before sowing the seeds are soaked in a solution of Bavistin (0.2%) for 6 hours. The seeds are then dried in shade. The seeds are dibbled on the either side of the furrows at a spacing of 60 x 30 cm in kharif season and 30 x 30 cm in summer season.
Okra Plant
Okra Soil & Climate Soil Bhendi can be grown in a wide range of soils. However, it grows best in loose, friable, well-drained sandy loam soils rich in organic matter. It also gives good yield in heavy soils with good drainage. A pH range of 6.0-6.8 is considered as optimum. Alkaline, saline soils and soils with poor drainage are not good for this crop.
Climate Bhendi requires long warm growing season during its growing period. It gives good yield in warm humid condition. It grows best within a temperature range of 24-27째C. It can be successfully grown in rainy season even in heavy rainfall area. Bhendi is highly susceptible to frost injury. Seeds fail to 0 germinate when temperature is below 20 C.
Okra Varieties 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 MKV, 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.