Engineering and germination characteristics of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cultivars: Implications for processing and cultivar selection

Abstract The geometrical, volumetric, colour, frictional, mechanical, and germination characteristics of different okra cultivars, viz. Sultani, Akköy, and Japanese were examined in this study. The linear dimensional attributes i.e., length 5.30 ± 0.20 mm, width 4.58 ± 0.25 mm, and thickness 4.21 ± 0.21 mm, were maximum for cv . Akköy. The mass of individual seed (0.066 g) and corresponding thousand seed mass (65.42 ± 3.12 g) was highest for cv . Akköy had a significant difference ( p < 0.01) between the cultivars. The lowest surface area (64.06 mm 2 ) was observed for the cv . Japanese. Significant difference ( p < 0.01) was found between the chroma and b* parameters among the cultivars. The highest static friction coefficient (0.348 ± 0.016) was observed on the rubber surface for cv . Japanese. The highest deformation value (3.53 ± 0.22 mm) was observed at the width axis of the cv . Akköy at 90 mm min −1 speed. The evaluation of germination characteristics revealed that the difference between the cultivars in wet and dry shoot length values was significant ( p < 0.01). The determination of various attributes of okra seeds is imperative for their primary and secondary processing, product value, consumer demand, and economic perspective. Comprehensive knowledge of seed characteristics will be beneficial in properly selecting cultivars and in the pre-treatments to be followed before sowing.