ORIGIN, AREA, PRODUCTION, VARIETIES, PACKAGE OF PRACTICES FOR
BHENDI
(Syn: Lady’s finger, Bhindi)
(Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) (2n = 130)
(Hindi: Bhendi)
Okra is predominantly a crop of tropics and subtropics. It occupies fifth position, next to
tomato, in area under vegetables in the country with a production of 33.24 lakh metric tonnes
from an area of 3.47 lakh hectares. The crop is cultivated for its young tender fruits, used in
curry and soups after cooking. It is a good source of vitamins A and B, protein and minerals. It
is also an excellent source of iodine and is useful for the treatment of goiter. Fruit is useful
against genitor-urinary disorders, spermetorrhoea and chronic dysentery. Fruits are also dried
or frozen for use during off-season. Dried fruit contain 13-22% edible oil and 20-24% protein
and is 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 juice for preparation of
jaggery.
Origin and distribution
Okra originated in tropical and subtropical Africa. Existence of a large number of related
species with wide variability and dominant characters suggest possible role of India as a
secondary centre of origin.
India is the largest producer of okra in the world. It is also used as a vegetable in Brazil,
West Africa and many other countries. In India, major okra growing states are Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar and West Bengal.
Taxonomy and botany
Cultivated bhendi belonging to Malvaceae was
earlier placed under Hibiscus esculentus L. Since its
calyx, corolla and staminal column are fused together and
fall down at anthesis (caduceus), it was renamed as
Abelmoschus esculentus L. in Hibiscus, calyx is
persistent. Cultivated bhendi is an annual herb with
duration of 90-100 days. Flowers are bisexual and often
cross-pollinated. Time of anthesis is 8.00-10.00 a.m.
Dehiscence of anthers occurs 15-20 minutes after
anthesis and is completed in 5-10 minutes. Pollen fertility
is maximum in the period between one hour before and after opening of flower. It takes 2 to 6
hours for fertilization after pollination. Stigma is receptive at opening of flower and hence, bud
pollination is not effective in okra. Fruit is a capsule. Usually fibre development starts from fifth
to sixth day.
Most of cultivated varieties are amphidiploids with 2n=130. A. esculentus is noted for its
chromosome polymorphism and 2n ranges from 72 to 144. It tolerates addition or deletion of
one or a few chromosomes. The chromosome number of A .esculentus is 2n=130 which is
evolved by crossing. A. tuberculatus (2n=58) with A. ficulneus (2n=72). The F1 developed was
subjected to colchicines treatment to make it an amphidiploid. A. esculentus (2n=130).
Similarly, A. caillei, a complex polyploidy, can be evolved by colchicines treatment of F1
of cross between A. manihot and A. esculentus.
Four species viz., A. esculentus, A. manihot, A. caillei and A. moschatus include both
cultivated and wild forms.
Crop improvement
Yellow vein mosaic virus disease being a serious problem in okra cultivation, concerted
effort was made to develop high yielding as well as YVMV resistant varieties in the country.
With development of YVMV resistant variety, Pusa Sawani, most of the primitive low yielding
local cultivars has become less significant. After break down of resistance of Pusa Sawani,
research on virus resistance was intensified at various research centres in India and it resulted
in development of a number of YVMV resistant varieties.
Various methods like plant introduction (Perkin’s Long Green), single plant selection and
pure line selection from local collections (Pusa Makhmali, Salkeerthi), selection from bi-parental
crosses (Pusa Sawani from IC 1542 x Pusa Makhmali) and selection from complex crosses (sel
2 from (Pusa Sawani x Best 1) x (Pusa Sawani x IC 7194) were used. YVMV resistant variety
Susthira developed at the Kerala Agricultural University is A. caillei. Pedigree selection in the
segregating populations of resistant YVMV varieties resulted in Hisar Unnat (Sel 2-2 x Parbhani
Kranthi) and Varsha Uphar (Lam selection 1 x Parbhani Kranthi). Related wild species were
also utilized in development of YVMV varieties like Parbhani Kranti (A. esculentus cv. Pusa
Sawani x A. manihot ssp. Manihot), Punjab 7 (A. esculentus cv. Pusa Sawani x A. manihot ssp.
Manihot cv. Ghana) and Arka Abhay (A. esculentus x A. manihot ssp. Tetraphyllus). MDU 1
and Punjab 8 (EMS 8) were developed through mutation breeding using gamma rays and EMS
respectively.
Exploitation of hybrid vigour
A large number of seeds in a fruit and large size of flowers are favourable factors for
exploitation of heterosis in bhendi. A number of hybrids resistant / tolerant to YVMV were
developed in public and private sectors. Most of the hybrids were developed by hand
emasculation and hand pollination. Two F1 hybrids developed by TNAU are CO.2 and CO.3.
CO.2: AE 180 x Pusa Sawani. Fruits very long (22-25 cm), thick, 7-8 ridged and light green in
colour. Productivity 15-16 t/ha. Susceptible to YVMV.
CO.3: Parbhani Kranti x MDU.1. Fruits very long (22-25 cm), thick, 7-8 ridged light
Green in colour. Productivity16-18 t/ha. Moderately resistant to YVMV.
COBhH 1: Varsha Uphar x Pusa A4 (T). Fruits are dark green, long, slender with five ridges.
High yield – 22.1 t/ha. Resistance to yellow vein mosaic virus
Climate
Bhendi is a typical tropical or sub-tropical crop and cannot tolerate frost. Performance is
also adversely affected by drought, low night temperature and shade. Even though fertilization
and seed set are affected during high rainfall, growth of plant and subsequent productivity is
exceptionally good rainfall areas. Under high temperature and low humidity, plant growth is
stunted and will be shorter in stature. Similarly flowers drop when day temperature exceeds
42o
C.
Soil
Okra prefers loose, well drained and rich soil. The ideal pH for growth of plants is 6-8.
Season
In areas where winter is mild, bhendi is grown throughout the year. Since it cannot
tolerate frost and low temperature, only two crops are taken in plains of North India. As kharif
crop, seeds are sown from May to July and as a spring summer crop, sowing is done during
February-March. In hills of North India bhendi is sown during March-April.
Seed rate and spacing
During summer, vegetative growth is relatively less and seeds are sown at a closer
spacing of 45 x 20 cm or even less. Seed rate required is 18-20 kg / ha. During kharif, plant
grows vigorously with more branching and seeds are sown at wider spacing of 60 x 30 cm for
branching types and 45 x 30 cm for non-branching types. Seed rate recommended for kharif
crop is 8-10 kg/ha. For harvesting smaller fruits for export, three rows planting with a spacing of
20-30 cm between rows and 20 cm within a row is advantageous. Distance between two sets is
kept as 60 cm. This system has the unique advantage of easiness in inter cultural operations,
harvesting, application of plant protection chemicals, etc.
Land preparation and sowing
Field is ploughed thoroughly for 2-3 times for making soil to a fine tilth. Ridges and
furrows or raised beds are prepared and dibbling on sides of ridges or on raised beds sows
seeds. Soak seeds for 6-12 hours before sowing to enhance germination during summer.
Manuring and fertilizer application
Apply 20-25 t of farmyard manure as basal dose at the time of final ploughing. A dose of
150 kg each of N, P2O5 and K2O is recommended for Pusa Sawani in the coordinated trials.
NPK recommendation varies from state to state and a lower dose of 50:8:30 kg N is
recommended under Kerala condition. One third dose of N, full P and K are to be applied as
basal dose. Remaining N has to be applied in two split doses, 4 weeks after sowing and at
flowering and fruiting stages. Split application of N in soil at every 3rd picking is advantageous
for getting high yield, for increasing number of harvests and to maintain size of fruits towards
last harvests.
Application of Fertilizers in Tamil Nadu
Apply FYM 25 t/ha, N 20 kg, P 50 kg and K 30 kg/ha as basal and 20 kg N/ha 30 days
after sowing. Apply Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each at 2 kg/ha mixed in 100 kg of FYM
before sowing.
Irrigation
Water stress at flowering and fruiting stages will drastically influence growth of plants,
size of fruits and yield. Immediately after sowing, field is irrigated. Subsequent irrigation is
given at fixed intervals depending on texture of soil and climate. In black soils, irrigation is done
at 5-6 days interval.
Interculture
Weed growth should be under control till crop canopy covers fully. This is achieved by
frequent hoeing, weeding and earthing up. Used of weedicides like Lasso (2 kg a.i./ha) or
fluchloralin (1.5 kg/ha) or Metolachlor (1.0 kg a.i./ha) and one hand weeding at 45 days after
sowing was very effective and financially viable under the All India Co-coordinated trials.
Harvesting and yield
Harvest fruits when they attain maximum size but still tender. Fruits of 6-8 cm long are
preferred for export purposes. This is usually attained by 5-6 days after opening of flower.
Harvesting is done in alternate days with a knife or by bending pedicel with a jerk. For
harvesting, cotton cloth hand gloves should be used to protect fingers from stinging effect. It is
advisable to harvest in morning hours since fruit hairs will be soft. Sprinkling water on pods
during night will keep them cool and fresh for market.
Post-harvest management
Fruits after harvesting are graded and filled in jute bags or baskets or perforated paper
cartons and sprinkled with water. Pre-cooling of fruits before packing maintains turgidity of fruits
and will save it from bruises, blemishes and blackening. This is usually done before packing
fruits in perforated cartons of 5-8 kg before transporting to refrigerated van for export.
Yield 6.0 – 8.0 t / ha for spring-summer crop
10 – 12.5 t / ha for kharif crop.
Pests and Diseases
Diseases
Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus Disease
This is the most serious disease of bhendi. Characteristic vein clearing is the typical
symptom and yield loss may be up to 100% depending on stage of occurrence of the disease.
Fruits of virus affected plants turn to cream or white in colour. Virus is transmitted through a
whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Removal of weeds susceptible to mosaic from nearby fields, control of
white fly, uprooting and burying of affected plants, adjusting time of sowing and cultivation of
resistant varieties like Arka Anamika, Arka Abhay, Susthira etc. are recommended for raising a
disease free crop. Recently, a hybrid COBhH 1 has been released from HC & RI, TNAU
Coimbatore which is resistant to YVMV.
Cercospora leaf spot
This disease is serious when there is high humidity in atmosphere and is common in a
seed crop. Sooty, black mouldy growth of pathogen appear as under surface of leaves and
finally leaves dry off and fall down. Mature pods are also attacked and show blackish spots.
Spraying with Bavistin (0.1 g /1) or Bordeaux mixture at fortnightly interval will control the
disease.
Powdery mildew
This is caused by a fungus Erysiphae chicoracearum under prolonged humid conditions.
White powdery pistules appear on lower surface of leaves resulting in yellowing and death of
leaves. Spraying of wettable sulphur (2g/l) at fortnightly interval is recommended for control.
Insect Pests
Jassids (Amrasca biguttula biguttula)
Wedge shaped pale green jassids suck sap from undersurfaces of leaves causing
marginal yellowing, cupping and drying of leaves. Due to intense hopper burn, defoliation also
occurs. Infestation is serious during summer. Prophylactic spray of neem oil-garlic mixture at
fortnightly intervals is advantageous for avoiding pest incidence.
Fruit borer
Borer infestation results in toppling and death of young seedlings, withering and drying
up of individual leaves and central shoot. Fruits will be damaged severely. Spray of carbaryl or
thiodan or endosulfan or fenvalerate or cypermethrin or deltamethrin is effective for control of
borer. Summer ploughing and clean cultivation are also helpful in reducing pest infestation.
Nematodes
Root knot nematode infects roots causing galls premature leaf fall, wilting and decline in
growth and fruit production. Symptoms in the field generally appear as well defined patches.
Crop rotation with non host plants like wheat, rice and corn should be practiced as a regular
measure. Successive deep ploughing during summer and soil solorisation gives very good
control. Treating field with nematicides also can be adopted.
Seed production
For seed production, adjust sowing in such a way that dry weather coincides with
maturation and drying of pods and incidence of yellow vein mosaic disease is minimum. Being
an often cross-pollinated crop, provide an isolation distance of 400 m from other varieties. Field
inspection and rouging should be conducted at pre-flowering, flowering and fruiting phases.
Harvesting of initial two fruits will be helpful in promoting growth of plants. Average seed yield is
1.0-1.5 t/ha.
MDU1
• This variety was evolved at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, TNAU,
by gamma irradiation of the seeds of Pusa Sawani.
• The fruits are light green in colour with long stylar end.
• The plants are compact with close arrangement of nodes.
• It is also susceptible to yellow vein mosaic disease.
• Yield is 10-11 tonnes/ha.
Lam Hybrid Selection-1 (Haritha)
• Developed by ANGRAU and released for cultivation in the state during 1983.
• Plant height 120-150cm with occasional branching tendency.
• Fruits are slender, long, and green and five ridged.
• Tolerant to yellow Vein mosaic virus (YVMV).
Janardhan
• It was released by ANGRAU. The plant is vigorous, branching.
• Fruits are small 6-8 cm long suitable for canning and export.
• Tolerant to yellow vein mosaic.
Punjab Padmini
• This was developed at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhaina fruits are dark green in
colour and each fruit weighs 20g.
• It tolerates yellow vein mosaic to certain extent under field conditions.
CO 1
• This is a pure line selection from Hyderabad "Red Wonder".
• The fruits are pinkish red in colour.
• It has got a yield potential of 12 tonnes/ha.
• It is susceptible to yellow vein mosaic disease.
• It was developed at the Department of Horticulture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,
Coimbatore.
CO 2
• It is a F1 hybrid developed at the vegetable department of the College of Horticulture,
TNAU, Coimbatore.
• The fruits are very long 22-25 cm. thick with 7-8 edges and light green in colour.
• It has a yield potential of 15-16 tones/ha.
• However it is highly susceptible to yellow vein mosaic disease and hence cannot be
recommended for growing during summer season.
• Because of its bigger fruit size it can be used for preparation of dehydrated products.
CO 3 (Hy8)
• It is an F1 Hybrid between Prabhani Kranti and MDU 1 and has a yield potential of 16-18
tones/ha.
• It is moderately resistant to yellow vein mosaic.
• Suitable for growing during kharif as well as summer.
• It was developed at Dept. of Olericulture, Horticultural College and Research Institute,
TNAU, Coimbatore