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THE DISTRIBUTION AND BIOECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF
ABELMOSCHUS (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS L.)
Inomjonova Sarvinoz Turg‘unali qizi
Tashkent State Agrarian University, Bachelor Student
Tel: +998(50) 302-46-00,
Email: sarvinozinomjonova0511@gmail.com
Mardonov Fozilbek Mardon o‘g‘li
Tashkent State Agrarian University,
Assistant, Department of Medicinal Plants
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15323998
Abelmoschus (Abelmoschus esculentus) or “lady’s finger” belongs to the
Malvaceae family and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical climates.
Its historical origin and various names show how significant it is in different
parts of the world. Each culture has given it different names based on its
expertise: in India, it is called bhindi, in the USA, it is known as gumbo, in the UK,
it is referred to as lady’s finger, and in Africa, it is called abelmoschus. This
vegetable is not only used in cooking but also in the textile, cosmetics, and
pharmaceutical industries.
Uses of Abelmoschus.
Abelmoschus has extensive culinary uses. It can be
used not only fresh but also in processed forms. Its pods are commonly used in
soups, sauces, salads, pilafs, and side dishes. The characteristic taste and mildly
acidic flavor of abelmoschus contribute to its popularity. Additionally,
abelmoschus can be dried, canned, or frozen for long-term use. Dried
abelmoschus is especially common and is used in many countries by cooking it
or using the skin and liquid. This is an example of how versatile this vegetable is.
Added Processing and New Uses. Abelmoschus seeds are known for their
unique properties. Abelmoschus seeds contain up to 20% protein and fats,
making them useful not only in the food industry but also as substitutes for
cumin, tea, and coffee. In particular, roasted seeds in hot climates can be used as
coffee substitutes or for various infusions and medicinal purposes.
The leaves of abelmoschus are also used in some countries like spinach.
They can be consumed fresh or dried, and in some regions, they are valued for
their high content of essential vitamins and minerals. In countries such as
Yugoslavia or South Korea, abelmoschus is widely used not only in food but also
in cosmetics and as biological active supplements.
Genetic Selection and Efficient Use of Abelmoschus.
The selection of
abelmoschus is being improved through modern genetic research. Programs are
improving the yield, pesticide resistance, and shelf-life of abelmoschus. The
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shape of the abelmoschus fruit and its quality are highly valued, as they help
reduce the shelf-life of the fruit. This research also helps reduce the likelihood of
the formation of toxins, such as cyclopropenoids, in the seeds.
Origin and Composition of Abelmoschus. Several hypotheses exist
regarding the origin of abelmoschus. Vavilov, in his studies, attempted to
determine that it was domesticated in Ethiopia, but many studies show that its
origin lies in India. Modern genetic research indicates that abelmoschus may
have multiple origins from several regions, including Southeast Asia, India,
Ethiopia, and West Africa.
Botanical Characteristics of Abelmoschus. Abelmoschus thrives in tropical
and subtropical climates and has the ability to grow and branch effectively. Its
roots are deep, allowing it to efficiently absorb moisture and nutrients. The plant
grows to a height of 1-2 meters, with some species having larger branches and
beautiful flowers. Abelmoschus flowers are large, yellow to red in color, and
open for a single night. During its active growing phase, abelmoschus can
develop for several days. Proper cultivation and harvesting at the right time are
crucial for its optimal use.
Ecological Requirements. Abelmoschus varieties are sensitive to
photoperiod, with some varieties being neutral to this factor. Two major factors
influencing the flowering process of abelmoschus are temperature and
photoperiod. These factors work together to ensure flowering. High
temperatures can delay flowering. The minimum temperature required for
abelmoschus growth is above 20°C, and the optimal temperature range is
between 30-35°C. If the temperature falls below 15°C, growth significantly
weakens, and at 10°C, the plant can suffer cold damage. Temperatures above
42°C can cause flowers to fall and affect the plant negatively.
Abelmoschus grows best in productive, well-drained soils. Sandy or clay
soils are ideal as they are suitable for irrigation. Abelmoschus is somewhat
sensitive to soil acidity, and a pH range of 6.0-7.0 is generally preferred. While
the plant is drought-tolerant, insufficient moisture during the flowering period
can negatively impact the yield. The plant requires approximately 50 mm of
moisture per week. Due to its high nutrient absorption ability, it needs various
mineral fertilizers, which should be applied 2 or 3 times for best results.
Propagation and Agricultural Techniques.
Abelmoschus is propagated by
seeds. The germination rate significantly decreases when the temperature is
below 17°C, and the optimal temperature for growth is between 29-30°C. The
seeds have a hard shell, so it is recommended to soak them in water for 24 hours
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before planting to improve germination. Acidic scarification can also improve
this process. Seeds are planted at a depth of 2-3 cm, and seedlings typically
emerge within a week. Usually, excess seeds are planted and later thinned to
maintain a spacing of 20-30 cm between plants and 100 cm between rows. The
number of plants per hectare can range from 50,000 to 150,000, with high plant
density limiting the formation of new branches and complicating the harvest.
Harvesting and Processing. The harvesting of abelmoschus typically begins
7 weeks after planting. Harvesting can be somewhat uncomfortable, as the fine
hair-like structures on the leaves and pods can irritate the skin and cause
dermatitis. When manually harvesting, the pods should be carefully twisted and
separated from the roots. If the pods are cut off completely, less damage will
occur to the pods and stems.
As the pods grow larger, they become tougher. The optimal tenderness of
the pods is reached 4-7 days after harvesting. During this period, the formation
of fibers in the pods begins. Harvesting is usually done every 2-3 days, although
in high temperatures, daily harvesting may be required. Delayed harvesting can
lead to the growth of fibers in the pods and delay the blooming process. Regular
harvesting of young pods helps maintain the plant in a vegetative state and
prolongs the harvesting period. During the first half of the 50-55 day harvest
period, the main yield is collected. A healthy, vigorous plant can produce up to
100 pods. Yields typically range around 6 tons per hectare, and yields of 10 tons
per hectare are considered very good, though the overall potential can be 3-4
times higher.
Storage and Quality Preservation. Abelmoschus has a high respiration rate
and is very sensitive to damage, making it prone to dehydration. Therefore, it
must be handled carefully. For local markets, it is necessary to cool the
abelmoschus to 10°C within a few hours after harvesting. Cooling is typically
done in refrigeration chambers, and hydro-cooling is rarely used. Storing
abelmoschus below 7°C can degrade its quality, and at temperatures above 10°C
or with low humidity, it begins to dry out.
Diseases and Pests. As abelmoschus belongs to the same family as cotton, it
is susceptible to similar diseases and pests. Major diseases include:
Alternaria hibiscinum - Alternaria leaf spots
Cercospora abelmoschi, C. hibiscina, C. malayensis - Cercospora, leaf and
flower spots
Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium spp. - Root rot
Macrophomina phaseolina - Dry rot
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Phytophthora parasitica - Pod rot
Fusarium oxysporum f. uasinfectum - Fusarium wilt
Ascochyta abelmoschi - Pod spots
Erysiphe cichoracearum - Powdery mildew
Verticillium dahliae - Verticillium wilt
Major pests include:
Heliothis armigera - Flower borer
Nisotra gemella - Pod borer
Amrasca biguttula - Leafhopper
Aphis gossypii - Melon/cotton aphid
Pectinophora gossypiella - Cotton bollworm
Tetranychus spp. - Spider mites
Earias biplaga, E. insulana - Stem borers
Bemisia tabaci, B. argentifolia - Whiteflies
References:
1.
Vavilov N.I. (1987). Origin and Spread of Cultivated Plants. Leningrad:
Nauka.
2.
Khomraev A.H., Jo‘raev A.J. (2021). Biology and Ecology of Plants.
Tashkent: Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan Publishing.
3.
Tindall, H.D. (1983). Vegetables in the Tropics. Macmillan Education Ltd.,
London.
4.
Yamaguchi, M. (1983). World Vegetables: Principles, Production, and
Nutritive Values. AVI Publishing Company, Westport, Connecticut.
5.
Rubatzky, V.E. & Yamaguchi, M. (1997). World Vegetables: Principles,
Production, and Nutritive Values (2nd ed.). Chapman & Hall, New York.
6.
Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (Eds.). (2004). Plant Resources of Tropical
Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen, Netherlands.
7.
Mardonov F.M. (2023). Biological Characteristics of Medicinal Plants and
Their Role in Ecosystems. Tashkent: TDAU Publishing.
8.
Adizov K., Rahimov Sh. (2018). Vegetable Crop Cultivation Techniques in
Uzbekistan. Tashkent: Fan.
9.
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). (2020).
Abelmoschus: Post-harvest Handling and Marketing. Rome.
10.
Kumar, R., Singh, V., & Yadav, S. (2019). Genetic Diversity and Crop
Improvement of Abelmoschus (Abelmoschus esculentus L.): A Review.
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International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 8(3), 1234-
1242.
