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Home , Abelmoschus caillei, Okra

W.&A., and A. tuberculatus Pal&Singh insects such as honey bees [Apis —A Versatile are found in Asia; A. ficulneus (L.) mellifera (L.)] and bumblebees Crop W.& A. ex Wight is present in western [Bombus auricomus (L.)] can effect (Duzyaman, 1997). A perennial cross-. In , Tanda treelike okra grown in west-African (1984) found that intensive bee polli- William James Lamont, Jr. villages is believed to be an intermedi- nation resulted in a 19% increase in ate between A. esculentus and A. yield and improvement in the manihot (Rubatzky and Yamaguchi, and content of the okra 1997). pods. ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. The discovery of A. caillei (A. The edible immature seed pods esculentus Chev.) Stev in western Africa (Cheva- must be harvested while they are still lier, 1940) and later evaluations soft and the are only partially kra [Abelmoschus esculentus (Hamon and Yapo, 1986) have re- developed. The color of immature pods (L.) Moench] belongs to ceived much attention in the last de- varies from pale to dark green, red, or O the or mallow cade. It is distinguished from A. purple. Red pigmentation can also family and is a relative of esculentus by shape, number of occur in stems, petioles, veins, (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Okra is one epicalyx segments, and shape and pedicel, and petal bases, which gives of the world’s oldest cultivated crops. orientation (Siemonsma, 1982). the plant ornamental value (Martin et The first recorded reference to okra is prized for its al., 1981; More and Vibhute, 1983). was made by the in 1216 potentially prolific yield, vigorous Okra pods may be ridged or smooth. A.D., although the plant explorer growth, and tolerance to some nega- Okra carries unicellular trichomes on Vavilov indicated that there was strong tive environments, serving as a source almost all parts of the plant, providing evidence that the crop flourished even of many desirable characteristics (Ariyo, protection from pests such as leafhop- before that date in the tropical climate 1993). However, it is a short-day plant, pers (Emposca fabae Harris) (Rao, of , while others have identi- and will require selection for photope- 1991). In the 1880s, a spineless mu- fied its origin as India. It eventually riod insensitivity to make it more adapt- tant appeared in a garden in Lancaster spread completely around the Medi- able. County, S.C. This spineless character- terranean and westward to the new Okra is sometimes called gumbo, istic was incorporated into commercial world. Its arrival in the American colo- although that name is more commonly okra varieties in the 1930s. Mature nies during the early 1700s is attrib- associated with and other dishes pods dehisce, releasing round, very uted to either slaves brought from containing okra. It is also known as hard, dark-green or brown seed. Seed Africa or early French colonists in Loui- gombo in French, bhendi in Hindu, sizes can vary from 5,670 to 15,120 siana. Thomas Jefferson recorded the bamiah in , and by other names seeds/lb (12,500 to 33,300 seeds/ presence of okra in his garden log in such as quingumbo, quaio, and lady’s kg). 1748. It continued its march north- finger. ward and was found in in Composition and uses 1781, and from 1800 onward it was Anatomy Okra has been used in a variety of mentioned by many garden writers. The okra plant somewhat re- ways (Table 1) throughout history Genetic studies indicate that the sembles its close relative cotton, al- (Martin, 1982). crop may be composed of multiple though okra has much larger, rougher . The tender leaves of okra species, origins of which might have leaves and a thicker stem. It is a are often consumed as a vegetable in been southeastern Asia, India, western semiwoody, fibrous, herbaceous an- areas where a wide variety of leafy Africa, or Ethiopia. The chromosome nual with an indeterminate growth greens are used in the diet (e.g., west- number of okra varies greatly, with the habit; it grows to a height of 3 to 6 ft ern Africa, southeastern Asia). The diploid ranging from 2n = 66 to 144. (0.9 to 1.8 m). The plant forms a leaves of some varieties are somewhat Okra actually may be of amphidiploid deeply penetrating taproot with dense, hispid (hairy), an objectionable qual- origin, exhibiting genomic contribu- shallow feeder roots in the upper 18 ity reduced by cooking. Leaves of other tions from hybridization of species of inches (46 cm) of the . It has large, varieties are smooth. The tender shoots, different ploidy levels. Cultivated spe- alternate, palmate leaves with small buds, and calyxes are often eaten cies of Abelmoschus in addition to A. stipules. Leaf margins vary from slightly along with the leaves (Irvine, 1952). esculentus are semiwild species A. wavy to very deeply lobed. Flower FRUIT. Whether boiled, added to manihot (L.) Medikus and A. moschatus buds appear in the axil of each leaf soups, or sliced and fried, the pods Medic. Wild species A. crinitus Wall., beginning above the six- to eight-leaf have a unique flavor and mucilaginous A. tetraphyllus (Roxb. ex Hornem) R. stage and develop into five large showy, texture, the latter objectionable to Graham, A. angulousus Wall. ex yellow petals with a large dark maroon many people. Edible seeds can be ex- or royal purple colored area at the tracted from pods that are too mature Associate professor and extension specialist, Depart- base. As the okra plant develops, the to be eaten. In Turkey, the young pods ment of Horticulture, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-4200. lowest flower bud on each stem opens are strung together and allowed to dry Use of trade names does not imply endorsement of the soon after sunrise and closes in the for use in winter. In western Africa the products named or exclusion of similar ones not men- middle to late afternoon. The anthers fruit are sliced, sun-dried, ground to a tioned. The cost of publishing this paper was defrayed dehisce between 0730 and 0900 HR powder, and stored until needed. Dried in part by the payment of page charges. Under postal regulations, this paper therefore must be hereby marked (McGregor, 1976). Although okra is pods or okra powder can easily be advertisement solely to indicate this fact. considered to be a self-pollinated crop, rendered edible by boiling.

● April–June 1999 9(2) 179 CROP REPORTS

Table 1. The nutritional composition material for making paper. Okra stems very tender and unable to tolerate tem- of the edible portion of fresh okra.z contain longer fibers in their woody peratures of <59 ˚F (15 ˚C) for very cores than most other dicotyledonous long. At temperatures >108 ˚F (42 Nutrient Value (Nelson et al., 1961). ˚C), flower abortion can occur. The Water (%) 90 FUEL. Thoroughly dried okra plant develops rapidly in areas to which Energy (kcal) 38 stems can be burned as an inexpensive it is adapted and requires only 2 months Protein 2.0 fuel. It burns rapidly, producing con- from planting to harvest of the first (g) 0.1 siderable heat, but it is not long last- pods. If properly maintained, plants Carbohydrate (g) 7.6 ing. continue to bear until frost, especially Fiber (g) 0.9 . When the pod is if the young pods are harvested Ca (mg) 81 boiled, it becomes highly mucilagi- promptly and not allowed to mature. P (mg) 63 nous. This mucilage has been used as a Fe (mg) 0.8 spreading agent in the manufacture of Na (mg) 8 paper in Malaysia. Okra can be grown on a wide K (mg) 303 In the , okra is used range of soil types, although rich, sandy A (IU) 660 primarily as a food in the fresh and loam soils are optimum. It is most (mg) 0.20 processed state (canned, in prepared important that the soil be well drained Riboflavin (mg) 0.06 soups, frozen, and dehydrated as a and not prone to waterlogging. It is Niacin (mg) 1.00 powder). The young, tender pods of difficult to achieve good stands when Ascorbic acid (mg) 21.1 okra, popular in creole cookery, are directly seeding into heavy clay soils. Vitamin B (mg) 0.22 excellent in and stews; they may The soil should be well supplied with 6 be boiled, baked, or fried. Many cooks organic matter. This can be accom- zSource: Haytowitz and Matthews (1984). in the dip the plished by applying animal manures or sliced pods in cornmeal and fry them. incorporating green manure crops SUBSTITUTE. Mature Okra combines well with other veg- (Colditz and Barber, 1975). dried seeds of okra can be roasted and etables, especially tomatoes. Pods that Okra is slightly sensitive to excess ground as a or added are boiled and then chilled are used in soil acidity; thus, proper liming is es- to coffee as an adulterant. Using ground combination salads. Regardless of the sential. The optimum soil pH range okra seeds to make a coffee is wide- method used, rapid cooking is pre- for okra is 6.0 to 7.0. If lime is needed, spread in El Salvador and other parts of ferred, as it preserves flavor and pre- the use dolomitic lime is recommended Central America, Africa, and Malaysia vents the mucilaginous consistency to supply calcium and . (Burkill, 1935). Coffee brewed from from developing. Okra is very susceptible to damage by okra has a good aroma, but it lacks the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne sp.) stimulating effect of caffeine. Production and sting nematode (Belonolaimus sp.). OIL AND PROTEIN SOURCE. The There are ≈15,000 acres (6,000 Using a rotation with corn, grasses, content of unsaturated fatty acids, es- ha) of okra grown annually in the and small grains helps prevent a buildup pecially linoleic and oleic acids, is high United States. Most commercial okra of nematode populations. Okra should (70%) in okra seeds. The keeping qual- production is in Georgia, South Caro- not follow crops such as squash ity of the oil is poor, but it is readily lina, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, Cali- (Cucurbita pepo L.), cucumber hydrogenated into a solid shortening fornia, and Florida. It is difficult to (Cucumis sativus L.), muskmelon and can be used as margarine. Okra has obtain exact figures on production (Cucumis melo L.), watermelon a high protein content that ranges acreage, because much of it is pro- [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf], from 18% to 27%. duced and marketed locally and there- or sweet potatoes [Ipomoea batatas CURD. Curds made from okra fore is not reported. Most southern (L.) Poir.], which tend to increase seeds have a creamy or light yellow states grow enough okra to provide for nematode populations. It is important color, a background flavor similar to local demand. Mexico is the leading before planting, preferably in the late that of tofu (vegetable curd made from exporter of okra to the United States. summer of the previous season, to take soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], Okra can be grown anywhere in a soil sample and check for the pres- and a musky, distinctive flavor. Okra the United States where other veg- ence of nematodes. If nematodes are vegetable curd has one possible draw- etables are grown, except in the coolest found, the use of a soil fumigant is back: seeds reportedly contain the toxic northernmost parts or at high alti- recommended. pigment gossypol (or a gossypol-like tudes. Okra varieties are short-day re- Fertilization should be based on a compound), which is soluble in oil sponsive, although some are day-neu- soil test to prevent excessive plant vigor and, thus, is included in the curd at tral. Temperature and photoperiod and poor yields. If a soil test is not concentrations several times higher interact to influence flowering. Flower available, a general recommendation is than that of the original seed. To avoid initiation and flowering are delayed at to apply N at 30 lb/acre (34 kg·ha–1), P possible long-term toxicity, it would high temperatures, and high night tem- at 26 to 34 lb/acre (29 to 38 kg·ha–1), be desirable to remove the gossypol, as peratures can increase plant height in and K at 49 to 66 lb/acre (55 to 74 is the practice in producing cottonseed most currently grown varieties (Tenga kg·ha–1). All of this can be incorpo- oil (Canella and Sodini, 1977). and Ormrod, 1985). Temperatures rated under the row or applied in a PAPER PULP. The fiber of the okra >68 ˚F (20 ˚C) are needed for normal band to the side. Nitrogen should be plant, like that found in other plants of development. It is considered a south- sidedressed at 25 lb/acre (28 kg·ha–1) the Malvaceae family, is a suitable ern crop plant that is categorized as when the plants are 6 to 8 inches (15

180 ● April–June 1999 9(2) to 20 cm) tall and again 2 to 3 weeks ‘Lee’—a spineless, semidwarf variety later. Additional N may be required if with deep, bright-green angular pods, there is excessive amounts of rainfall requiring 53 to 55 d to reach maturity. that could leach out previously applied ‘Annie Oakley I’—a hybrid, spineless, fertilizer. dwarf variety with bright-green angu- Research on okra for 5 years in lar pods, requiring 53 to 55 d to reach Georgia indicated that an 8N–3.4P– maturity (Fig. 3). 6.6K analysis fertilizer or 1 N : 1 P : 1 ‘Annie Oakley II’—a hybrid, spine- K ratio was most satisfactory. The ad- less, dwarf variety, with medium-green ditional 2% of N is of more value in angular pods, requiring 48 d to reach increasing okra yields than an addi- maturity; it out yields ‘Annie Oakley’ tional 1.8% of P or 3.3% K found in a by 10% to 15 %. 6N–5.2P–6.6K or 6N–3.4P–9.9K ‘Prelude’—a new open-pollinated, material (Spivey et al., 1957). Since spineless variety with very-dark-green, Fig. 1. ‘Clemson Spineless’ okra. okra produces over a long period com- glossy, ridged pods. It can be har- pared to many , proper use vested when pods are longer than other of fertilizers including sidedressed N varieties and still be tender. It requires applications is particularly important. 50 to 53 d to reach maturity. The okra plant has a sensitive balance ‘UGA Red’—a new red pigmented between the vegetative (foliage pro- plant that can be used as an edible duction) and reproductive (pod pro- ornamental. duction) growth that needs to be con- In addition to the above list, there sidered in developing any fertilization are other varieties of okra that should program. Using additional N should be mentioned such as ‘Green Best F1’, be avoided on vigorous plantings until ‘Perkins Dwarf Spineless’, ‘Burgundy fruiting begins to check growth. (Red)’, ‘Red Velvet’, ‘Red Wonder’, ‘White Velvet’ (Fig. 4), ‘Blondy’, Varieties ‘Perkins Mammoth Long Pod’, ‘Loui- Recent genetic improvement has siana’, and ‘Jefferson’. emphasized plant characteristics such as semidwarf plant stature, reduced branch- Planting Fig. 2. ‘Emerald’ okra. ing, moderately lobed leaves for increas- Both the Cole planter, used for ing fruit visibility to improve harvest, planting corn seed, and the Planet Jr., red ornamental pigmentation, early used on a wide variety of vegetable maturity, and smooth, dark-green pods seeds, are suitable for planting okra. with slow fiber development (Corley, SEED TREATMENT. Thiram (a.i.) at 1985; Scott et al., 1990). Using hy- 2.25 to 3.0 oz/100 lb of seed (1.4 to brid, dwarf varieties of okra such as 1.9 g·kg–1) and metalaxyl (a.i.) at 0.5 ‘Annie Oakley I’ for the fresh market oz/100 lb of seed (0.3 g·kg–1) are has allowed closer plant spacing and recommended for improved germina- increased yields than older, open-pol- tion and stand (Orzolek et al., 1997). linated varieties. Some of the more Okra has a hard seedcoat. A 24-h important varieties are listed below: soaking in water will enhance germi- ‘Clemson Spineless’—a uniform spine- nation and emergence, especially for less variety with medium dark-green planting in warm soils. The seeds should ridged pods requiring 55 to 58 d to be allowed to surface-dry before sow- reach maturity (Fig. 1). ing. Research in has shown that Fig. 3. ‘Lee’ okra. ‘Clemson Spineless 80’—slightly taller soaking okra seeds for 12 h in distilled than ‘Clemson Spineless’ with a more water and then soaking them for 12 h open growth habit and medium-green in growth regulator solutions (gibber- ridged pods requiring 52 d to reach ellic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, and maturity. naphthalene acetic acid) increased ‘Cajun Delight’—the hybrid version yields due to the increase in germina- of ‘Clemson Spineless}, requiring 53 d tion percentage and subsequent plant to reach maturity. stand, increased the number and dry ‘North & South’—a hybrid spineless matter content of branches and leaves variety with darker pods than ‘Annie (i.e., photosynthetic surfaces), and in- Oakley’, requiring 46 d to reach matu- creased the number and weight of rity. pods (Omran et al., 1980). ‘Emerald’—a spineless variety with SPACING. Rows are commonly dark-green, smooth, round pods, re- spaced 28 to 39 inches (71 to 99 cm) quiring 58 to 60 d to reach maturity apart. Seeds are planted 1.5 to 2 inches (Fig. 2). (4 to 5 cm) deep at a rate of 4 to 6 Fig. 4. ‘White Velvet’ okra.

● April–June 1999 9(2) 181 CROP REPORTS seeds/ft of row (13 to 20 seeds/m). more drought tolerant than some of pods (marketable and immature) have Plants are thinned to 8 to 12 inches the newer dwarf varieties. In general, been removed. (20 to 30 cm) between plants. This as is the case with other crops, the DISEASES. Some important dis- spacing requires 10 to 20 lb of seed/ effect of moisture stress depends on eases affecting okra include the follow- acre (11 to 22 kg·ha–1). the phenological stage of the plant. ing: anthracnose (Colletotrichum sp.), Research has shown that de- The flowering and pod filling stages cercospora blight (Cercospora creasing the in-row spacing of are critical, and water stress at this time abelmoschi Ellis and Everhart), fusarium ‘Clemson Spineless’ and ‘Lee’ from 16 can reduce yield >70% (Mbagwu and wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. to 4 inches (40 to 10 cm) increased Adesipe, 1987). vasinfectum (Atkinson) Snyder and yields from 5,538 to 10,064 lb/acre When the okra plant begins to Hansen), leaf spot (Ascochyta (6202 to 11271 kg·ha–1), while in- suffer from lack of moisture, it begins abelmoschi Saccardo), powdery mil- creasing the between-row spacing from to drop its leaves. If drought contin- dew (Erysiphe cichoracearum 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) did not ues, it will drop both pods and leaves DeCandolle), and verticilium wilt significantly affect yield (Patterson and and finally die. It takes less dry weather (Verticilium alboatrum Reinke & Morelock, 1979). Decreasing in-row to substantially lower yields than is Berthold). A general control measure spacing from 16 to 4 inches (40 to 10 generally suspected. In irrigation stud- for all these diseases is to practice good cm) decreased the number of laterals ies on okra (Singh, 1987), the leaf dry crop rotation and deep plow to cover formed per plant from 5.7 to 1.6. weight, stem dry weight, and leaf area old crop residues. Chemical control TIMING. Okra for the fresh mar- were significantly increased as the recommendations are specific to indi- ket can be planted as soon as soil amount of water applied increased, vidual states. temperatures rise above the base tem- based on a higher percentage of pan NEMATODES. As mentioned, root- perature of 60 ˚F (15 ˚C). The opti- evaporation. Similar increases were knot nematode and sting nematode mum soil temperature for observed in fruit yield. A general rec- are by far the most serious nematodes is 75 to 90 ˚F (24 to 32 ˚C) (Maynard ommendation is to apply 1 to 1.5 affecting okra. Their damage often and Hochmuth, 1997). Earlier plant- inches (25 to 38 mm) of water per causes irregular growth and reduced ing for fresh-market okra is desired, week. Drip irrigation has been used or delayed production. Okra plants since the intention is to market okra quite successfully with okra and is an damaged by root-knot nematodes are early when the price is normally the excellent way to supply moisture and usually stunted and appear unhealthy highest. For processed okra, maximum nutrients while reducing disease pres- with elongated, round swellings on yield rather than earlier production is sure. both large and small roots. The use of the prime consideration, and later a soil fumigant or nematicide is re- planting dates are the rule. Pest management quired to ensure production of okra in INSECTS. Compared to other veg- nematode-infested fields. Plastic mulches etable crops, okra is has few insect Nonchemical management of Black plastic mulch increases soil pests. Insects pests of okra can be nematodes can be accomplished temperatures, controls weeds, and con- grouped into two categories: foliage through the use of soil solarization, serves soil moisture, thus increasing feeders and pod feeders. Foliage-feed- crop rotation, or using nematode-sup- yield and earliness. Plastic mulch, used ing insects such as melon and cotton pressive crops. Nematode-suppressive in conjunction with drip irrigation and aphid (Aphis gossyppi Glover), corn ear- crops include bahiagrass (Paspalum container-grown okra transplants, can worm ( Boddie), Japa- notatum Flugge) or common vetch advance earliness by as much as 21 d nese beetle (Popillia japonica (Vicia sativa L.) and release toxic com- (Khan et al., 1990; Lamont , 1989). Newman), leafhopper (Emposca fabae pounds that inhibit nematodes. Okra transplants should be 3 to 4 Harris), pink bollworn (Pectinophora WEEDS. Shallow cultivation weeks old and have about three to four gossypiella Saunders), spider mites should be practiced to conserve soil leaves. Okra is transplanted on the (Tetranychus sp.), whitefly (Bemisia moisture and destroy weeds. Chemical plastic mulch in double rows 15 to 18 tabaci Gennadius), and vegetable control measures for weeds are lim- inches (37 to 45 cm ) apart and spaced leafminer (Liriomyza sativae ited, but glyphosate and trifluralin are 12 inches (30 cm) apart in the row. Blanchard) will cause serious reduc- registered for okra. The drip irrigation tape would be po- tion in yields only when their numbers sitioned in the center of the mulched are high or when plants are young or Harvest and handling bed and buried 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 under stress. Well-established or Except in unusually hot weather, cm) deep. The use of plastic mulch, healthy okra plants can tolerate con- an okra pod reaches marketable stage drip irrigation, and transplants can in- siderable loss of foliage before their [≈3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) in length] crease marketable yields of okra by yields are reduced. Insect pests that in 4 to 6 d. At this stage of develop- >3,000 lb/acre (3,360 kg·ha–1) com- attack the pods can be a greater prob- ment, the pods are tender and free of pared to bare ground (Khan et al., lem. Insects in this category include fiber. Almost all okra is hand har- 1991). corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea vested, and okra should be harvested Boddie), southern green stink bug at least every second day, preferably Irrigation (Nezara viridula L.), and leaffooted everyday, to ensure that the pods are of Okra is considered by many to be bug (Leptoglossus phyllopus L.) If con- optimum size and quality. tolerant of dry weather, but it is actu- trol measures become necessary and HARVESTING FOR PROCESSING. The ally sensitive to moisture stress. Some the plants are bearing pods, chemicals ideal pod type for freezing is short, of the older, tall-growing varieties are should be applied immediately after all dark green, and round or multifaceted

182 ● April–June 1999 9(2) Fig. 5. Harvested okra. (Sistrunk et al., 1960). Okra for can- ning requires more color retention (chlo- rophyll content), low mucilage content, and low fiber content (Woodroof and Shelor, 1958). Okra varieties like ‘Em- erald’, ‘ Green Velvet’, and ‘White Velvet’ are grown for processing and produce pods on a brittle stem that Okra pods must be handled care- may develop a bleaching injury. As for allows the pods to be broken or snapped fully to prevent bruising, which turns any vegetable crop, it is imperative that off so that the stem remains on the plant pods black within a few hours. Picking any storage container used permit ad- and not with the pod. Okra grown for crews should wear soft cotton gloves equate ventilation. processing should be allowed to grow as to minimize damage to the tender Okra may be spray washed or long as possible without becoming fi- pods. In addition, most people are placed in a large water tank for clean- brous or hard. The pod is usually tender sensitive to the small spines on okra ing. It is recommended that the wash as long as the pod top will snap off and often get a rash or itch. To avoid water be chlorinated to 75 to 100 ppm evenly. Processing-type okra usually re- this problem, pickers should wear long- (mg·L–1) of free chlorine to prevent quires three harvests a week. The proper sleeved shirts and long pants. disease problems. Excess water should training of picking crews to grade okra Under favorable conditions, yields be removed after packing. as it is being harvested and discard tough of fresh-market okra are ≈300 bushels/ Using postharvest dips, various and damaged pods is extremely impor- acre or 9,000 lb/acre (10,000 kg·ha–1) packaging technologies, and controlled- tant for an efficient operation. Pods <4 compared to a processed okra yield of atmosphere storage have been some- inches (10 cm) long should be left to 10,000 lb/acre (11,200 kg·ha–1). A what successful in extending the shelf reach maximum length of ≈5.5 to 6 bushel basket of okra weighs 30 to 35 life of okra (Fontenot et al., 1987; Ilker inches (14 to 15 cm), at which time lb (14 to 16 kg). The price range for and Morris, 1975; Perkins-Veazie and these pods will return a much greater fresh market okra is $0.20 to $0.70/lb Collins, 1996; Singh et al., 1980). weight per acre. and $0.08 to $0.12/lb for processing Preshipment packaging in perforated HARVESTING FOR FRESH MARKET. okra. The average costs of okra pro- film prevents wilting and physical injury Okra for fresh market must be cut with duction are preharvest, $156/acre during handling. Results of a packaging a knife to remove the stem and graded ($385/ha), and harvest and handling, study suggest that 5% to 10% carbon into three sizes: Fancy = pods ≤3.5 $1,064/acre ($2628/ha), for a total dioxide in the atmosphere lengthens inches (9 cm) long; Choice = pods 3.5 of $1,220/acre ($3,013/ha). the shelf life of okra by ≈1 week. Higher to 4.5 inches (9 to 11 cm) long; Jumbo concentrations of carbon dioxide caused = pods ≥4.5 inches (11 cm) long but Storage and marketing off-flavors (Anandaswamy, 1963). still tender. It is often necessary to Okra harvested in good condition In general, okra has the same stor- harvest every day during periods of has a satisfactory shelf life of 7 to 10 d age requirements as green beans, cu- rapid growth to ensure that there will when stored at 54.5 ˚F (12.5 ˚C) and cumber, eggplant, peppers, and squash. be pods small enough to grade Fancy 90% to 95% relative humidity These products may be stored together or Choice. Allowing fruit to mature on (Hardenburg et al., 1986). The high without deleterious effect. Okra should the plant, as is the case in seed produc- relative humidity of 90% to 95% is desir- not be stored with melons (Cucumis tion, results in alternate bearing or able to prevent sweating or shriveling of sp.), bananas (Musa sp.), apples (Malus fruiting waves, reducing fruit yields the okra pods. When stored at <50 ˚F sp.), or other produce that gives off per plant by 60% to 70% (Perkins et al., (10 ˚C), okra is subject to chilling injury, ethylene gas. 1952). The practice of cutting off which is manifested by surface discol- Okra is supplied to the markets in (cropping) the older leaves of the okra oration, pitting, and decay. Contact or the United States by the southern tier of plant during harvest does not nega- top icing is not used to cool okra be- states during June, July, and August, tively influence future yields as long as cause it causes water spotting in 3 d. while California ships okra from June the leaves being removed are not higher If okra is stored in hampers for through October. Mexico exports okra than the undeveloped pods. >24 h without refrigeration, the pods year-round to the United States.

● April–June 1999 9(2) 183 CROP REPORTS

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