Description
Introduction
Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is the most important
vegetable crop in the tropical and subtropical parts of the world. It is also
known as lady‟s finger or bhindi, belong to family malvaceae and originated in
tropical Africa. The okra plant is erect, herbaceous annual green, stem with
radish tinge.
Okra is an important vegetable grown for its tender fruits which are
used as a vegetable in a variety of ways. It can be fried or cooked with
necessary ingredients. The tender fruit can be cut into small pieces, boiled and
served with soup. Matured fruits and stem containing crude fibres are used in
the paper industry. The roots and stems are used for clearing cane juice in
preparation of „gur‟. High iodine content of fruits helps to control goiter. Okra
is said to be very useful against genito-urinary disorders, spermatorrhoea and
chronic dysentery (Nadkarni, 1927).