Phytochemical diversity in okra (abelmoschus esculentus) genotypes

Abstract

The phytochemical content of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) genotypes varied in accordance of type of compound and genotype. Out of 20 genotypes, only three genotypes (Kashi Lalima, Kashi Kranti and VROB-178) showed significantly higher amount of phytochemicals (ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, anthocyanin, total carotenoids, total phenolics and total antioxidants activity). Among these genotypes Kashi Lalima showed highest ascorbic acid (19.63 mg/100 g) and anthocyanin content (0.14 mg/100 g) while highest chlorophyll content (5.75 mg/100 g) and total carotenoids content (1.71 mg/100 g) were recorded in Kashi Kranti. The amount of total anthocyanin and phenol compound varied from 0.08 to 0.14 mg/100 g of fresh weight (FW) and 38.88 to 62.82 (mg catechol equivalent/100 g fresh weight), respectively. The total moisture content and total crude fiber content also showed a significant difference within the range of 80.14 to 93.16% and 1.30 to 4.40 % of fresh weight, respectively. The highest total phenolics and moisture content was observed in genotype VROB-178, while highest crude fiber percentage was represented by Kashi Satdhari. Hence, selected okra genotypes containing good amount of phytochemicals, which can be further used for nutritional quality improvement of okra in future breeding programs.