Root plasticity and xylem modifications drive drought resilience in okra [<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> (L.) Moench] at the seedling stage.

ABSTRACT: Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] plays a vital role in ensuring food and nutritional security in arid and semi-arid regions; however, its growth is severely limited by drought stress. While root plasticity and physio-biochemical responses are known to contribute to drought resilience, their specific roles in okra remain underexplored. This study assessed drought tolerance in 55 okra genotypes subjected to three levels of PEG 6000-induced osmotic stress (0%, 10%, and 20%) under polyhouse conditions. Drought stress delayed germination and significantly reduced key growth parameters, including leaf number, shoot length, fresh and dry biomass, and survival rate. Root traits such as secondary root number, root length, and fresh root weight also declined, although the root-to-sho

SUBMITTER: Kaur SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12672279 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature