Growth and yield responses of okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus L.) to foliar treatments with gibberellic acid, Moringa oleifera L., and Caralluma tuberculata L. extracts

Agricultural practices increasingly seek sustainable solutions to enhance crop productivity. This study evaluates the efficacy of organic foliar sprays derived from Moringa oleifera L., and Caralluma tuberculata L. in comparison with the synthetic plant growth regulator gibberellic acid (GA3) and an untreated control. The objective of this research was to assess the impact of these treatments on the growth, yield, and nutrient profile of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) through a pot experiment. The results demonstrated that applications of GA3 and Moringa oleifera L. leaf extract significantly enhanced plant height, reaching 139.66 and 130.3 cm, respectively, compared to the control. In contrast, Caralluma tuberculata L. extract had a lesser effect. Yield parameters were also highest in the GA3 and Moringa oleifera L. treatments. Nutritional analysis revealed a significant increase in the concentration of all measured nutrients except sodium, which showed no significant differences among treatments. Principal component analysis indicated strong positive correlations for the GA3 and Moringa oleifera L. treatments with improved growth, yield, and nutrient composition, while Caralluma tuberculata L. and the control were negatively correlated with these parameters. In conclusion, both GA3 and Moringa oleifera L. extract positively influenced okra productivity, whereas Caralluma tuberculata L. extract exhibited adverse effects on growth and yield.