This document summarizes the floral biology of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). Okra is an erect, herbaceous annual plant originating from tropical Asia and Africa that grows 1-2 meters tall. It produces solitary, axillary flowers with yellow petals and crimson spots. The flowers have 5 united stamens, superior ovaries, and capsular fruits. Pollination is primarily by insects, though self-pollination can occur at a rate of 19%. Fertilization takes place within 2-6 hours of pollination.

1. Floral Biology of Okra ( Abelmoschus
esculentus )
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Submitted by: Jay Khaniya
Degree: M.Sc. (Agri.)
SST 501 : Floral Biology, Seed Development and Maturation

2. Okra/ lady's fingers/ Gumbo
 Its origin Is tropical Asia and Africa.
 The main region of cultivation and diversity of okra in India,
Srilanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh.
 Breeding Program: major centres includes IIVR (Varanasi), IIHR
(Bangalore), PAU (Ludhiana), GAU (Junagadh), KAU (Trissur), OUAT
(Bhubaneshwar).
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4.  Plant: Erect, herbaceous annual, 1-2 m tall.
 Leaves: Alternate, 3-7 lobed, hirsute and serrate.
 Flower: Solitary, axillary with long peduncle.
 Epicalyx : Long, narrow hairy bracteoles.
 Calyx: Splits longitudinally as the flower open.
 Petals: 5 cm, yellow with crimson spot on claw.
 Stamens: Staminal column is united to base of petals with numerous stamens.
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6.  Ovary: Superior.
 Fruit: Capsule.
 Stigma receptivity: on the day of flower opening.
 Pollen viability: 55 days (in storage at 50% RH).
 After pollination it takes 2-6 hrs for fertilization.
 Protogyny: Allogamy.
-but out cross through insect can be 19%.
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