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Mar 11, 2024Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Review on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Production, Nutrition and Health Benefits
Abstract
Okra is a nutritious vegetable crop with numerous health benefits. The consumption of adequate quantity and quality vegetables is vital for the proper functioning of the human body. A general review of okra was done to increase awareness of the cultivation and utilization of okra and undertake more research. The knowledge of climate, soil fertility, field management, and its health benefits helps to promote okra production and utilization. Okra is mainly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in warm climates with annual rainfall and mean temperatures of 900-1,000mm and 18oC-35oC, respectively. Sandy or clay loam soils with a pH from 6.0 to 6.8 are recommended for okra cultivation. Generally, okra requires 150kg/Nitrogen, 112kg/Phosphorus, and 75kg/Potassium per hectare. Moreover, optimum growth, yield, and quality are obtained with proper plant population and mostly it is achieved with a spacing of 50cmx40cm. Pest and diseases like okra yellow vein mosaic virus, okra enation leaf curl virus, and fruit borers are the major production constraints; they cause yield losses and lower quality of the produce. Okra is nowadays known as food with healthy and medicinal benefits due to its composition. Okra leaves, pods, and seeds are edible and they are very nutritious. Okra leaves possess anti- inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and antioxidant properties. This paper reviews okra in general from cultivation, climate requirements, field management practices, its health and nutritional benefits. Knowledge of proper field practices for okra cultivation and its health benefits will motivate farmers and actors in the agriculture and health sectors to promote okra cultivation and its consumption.
