Behavior of Six Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, Varieties as a Vegetable and as a Grain

Abstract

Six okra varieties were compared as vegetable and as a grain. Varieties Emerald Green and Evergreen Velvet produced more tender pods per plant, but dehiscent varieties were heavier producers of dry pods both in number and weight per plant. Emerald Green and Evergreen Velvet produced longer but thinner fruits. Plant height and number of fruits decreased significantly when pods were harvested for grain. Dehiscent varieties were earlier producers and exhibited higher percentages of marketable fruit. On the basis of yields obtained, in this experiment, and on the basis of the ratio, 20% protein and 18%, oil, okra can compare with several of the traditional oil crops of the tropics as a grain.