Effect of plucking flowers on lutein and β-carotene content and yield of okra

Flowers of three cultivars of Abelmoschus esculentus(021,018,024) were plucked to study the effect of plucking flowers on lutein and β-carotene content and yield,by measuring leaf number,branches,leaf length and width,leaf dry matter,photosynthesis,lutein and β-carotene content.The results showed that plucking flowers had different influence on 3 varieties.The variety 018 reduced its leaf length and width,as well as photosynthesis;but leaf dry matter and branches increased significantly.Meanwhile,its lutein and β-carotene content and yield also remarkably increased.024 had no significantly change except increased leaf length,leaf dry matter,lutein and β-carotene content,and yield.The treatment had least effect on 021,with only increased lutein content and decreased photosynthesis.