Elevated Temperature Disrupts Pollen-Pistil Dynamics and Seed Set in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Abstract

Elevated temperature can interfere with pollen formation and function in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The study was aim to quantify the impact of elevated temperatures on the reproductive stage in okra. In both the stain analysis and pollen tube growth test, pollen viability was decreased at elevated temperatures. The highest number of non-viable pollen grains were observed at 35°C and 40°C. The stigma was nonsignificantly high in receptivity at all temperatures; however, the seed set showed a significant decline under elevated temperatures. The findings offer the potential to look further into approaches, to genetic enhancement of heat-tolerant plants that will secure okra productivity during future climatic variation.