Alternative for farmers with severe SCN
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is best known as a vegetable crop in
the southern region of the United States. However, current research
shows okra's potential as an alternative to soybeans in areas where the
soybean cyst nematode (SCN) severely reduces yields. The market for
okra could be similar to soybeans, and okra could be grown using the same
planting and harvesting equipment.
Traits
Okra is a warm-season annual reaching up to 6 feet in height.
It is a member of the Malvaceae family, along with cotton and hibiscus, and
the flowers and leaves resemble those of its relatives. Flowers
occur in July through September with the pods produced growing rapidly, and
the seed dehisces when mature. There are many commercial varieties
currently available for vegetable production.
Research Projects
