🥗Okra, Pea, Cowpea, Cluster Bean and Palak
Complete guide to okra (YVMV resistance, interspecific hybrids), pea (tenderometer, protein content), cowpea, cluster bean (guar gum), and palak cultivation for competitive exams.
In the jaggery-making villages of Uttar Pradesh, farmers add okra roots and stems to boiling sugarcane juice — the mucilaginous substances act as natural clarifying agents that help remove impurities from the juice. Meanwhile in Rajasthan, cluster bean thrives in the scorching desert heat, producing seeds from which guar gum is extracted — a product so commercially valuable that it is used in everything from food processing to oil drilling and even explosives. These examples illustrate how Indian vegetable crops serve purposes far beyond the dinner plate.
IMPORTANT
Key exam facts: YVMV (Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus) resistance is the major breeding objective in okra — transmitted by whitefly. Pea has ~25% protein and maturity is measured by tenderometer. Cluster bean is led by Rajasthan. Okra is the queen of vegetables.
Okra (Bhindi / Lady’s Finger)
Botanical Identity
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Abelmoschus esculentus |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Origin | Africa |
| Also known as | Queen of vegetables |
| Leading state | West Bengal (followed by Bihar) |
| Optimal temperature | 24-28 degrees C |
| Flower bud drop above | 42 degrees C |
| Spacing | 45 cm x 30 cm |
| Export standard | 6-8 cm long fruits |
| Pioneer researcher | Dr. Harbhajan Singh |
Key Facts
- Higher iodine content — helps in controlling goitre (thyroid deficiency disease).
- Accounts for 70% of the remaining 30% of vegetable export earnings after onion.
- Roots and stems are used for clearing cane juice in jaggery (gur) preparation.
- Gives 300-500% crop land use efficiency as an intercrop in cassava and cucurbits.
- Longer fruits for domestic fresh market; 6-8 cm for export.
Seed Rate
| Season | Seed Rate |
|---|---|
| Kharif | 8-10 kg/ha |
| Hybrid | 2.5 kg/ha |
| Spring-summer | 20 kg/ha (higher due to hard seed coat, lower germination) |
YVMV — The Most Important Disease
Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV) is the most devastating disease of okra. It is caused by a Begomovirus transmitted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in a persistent manner. Infected plants show characteristic yellow netting of leaf veins, stunting, and severely reduced yield.
Management: Spray systemic insecticides (Methyl demeton or Dimethoate @ 2 ml/litre) to control the whitefly vector + grow resistant varieties.
Important Varieties
| Variety | Development Method | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Pusa Sawani | Pusa Mokhmali x IC-1542 | Day neutral, spineless, salinity tolerant, wide pH range |
| Arka Anamika | A. esculentus x A. manihot ssp. tetraphyllus | YVMV resistant (interspecific hybrid) |
| Arka Abhay | A. esculentus x A. manihot ssp. manihot | YVMV resistant; quick branching after pruning |
| Parbhani Kranti | A. esculentus x A. manihot ssp. manihot | YVMV resistant |
| Punjab Padmani | A. esculentus x A. manihot ssp. manihot | Field resistant to YVMV + tolerant to jassids and bollworm |
| Pusa-A-4 | — | YVMV resistant + tolerant to jassids and fruit/shoot borer |
| Varsha Upkar | — | Suitable for YVMV-prone areas |
| Perkins Long Green | Introduction | Suitable for hilly regions of North India |
| EMS-8 | Mutant (EMS chemical mutagen) | Mutation breeding variety |
NOTE
Most YVMV-resistant okra varieties are interspecific hybrids — crosses between cultivated A. esculentus and wild A. manihot species. The wild species provides the resistance genes.
Pests
| Pest | Scientific Name | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Jassid (most serious) | — | Yellowing, curling of leaf margins (hopper burn) |
| Fruit borer | Earias vittella | Bores into shoots and fruits |
| Blister beetle | Mylabris pustulata | Feeds on flowers; secretes cantharidin (causes skin blisters) |
Pea (Matar)
Botanical Identity
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Pisum sativum |
| Garden pea | P. sativum var. hortense |
| Family | Leguminosae (Fabaceae) |
| Protein content | ~25% (one of the most protein-rich vegetables) |
| Leading state | Uttar Pradesh (area + production) |
| Seed rate | 75-80 kg/ha (directly sown, large seed) |
| Maturity measured by | Tenderometer |
| Most popular canned vegetable | Pea (in India) |
A tenderometer measures the tenderness (or toughness) of peas by measuring the force required to shear a sample. Lower readings = more tender peas. This is critical for the processing industry.
Important Varieties
| Variety | Special Feature |
|---|---|
| Arkel | Sickle-shaped pods |
| Bonneville | Suitable for dehydration (high dry matter) |
| Sylvia | Whole pod edible (snow pea / sugar pea) |
| Arka Ajit | Powdery mildew resistant |
| Rachna | Powdery mildew resistant |
| Harbhajan | Extra early variety |
| Aparna / HFP-4 | First dwarf variety (less lodging, easier harvest) |
| Jawahar Matar-1 | Susceptible to powdery mildew |
Pest and Disease
| Problem | Cause |
|---|---|
| Stem borer | Etiella zinckenella |
| Powdery mildew | Erysiphe polygoni |
Cowpea (Lobia)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Family | Leguminosae (Fabaceae) |
| Origin | Africa |
| Uses | Green pods (vegetable), dry grain (pulse), green manure, fodder |
| Major pest | Pod fly (Ophiomyia phaseoli) |
Seed Rate by Purpose
| Purpose | Seed Rate |
|---|---|
| Rainy season vegetable | 12-15 kg/ha |
| Summer vegetable | 20-25 kg/ha |
| Fodder | 20-30 kg/ha |
Varieties
- Pusa Barsati, Pusa Dofasali, Pusa Rituraj, Pusa Komal, Kansi Gouri
- Pusa Phalguni — dwarf variety (compact growth, suitable for intercropping)
Cluster Bean (Guar)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cyamopsis tetragonoloba |
| Leading state | Rajasthan (1st in area + production) |
| Industrial uses | Guar gum — used in food processing, textiles, paper, oil drilling, explosives |
| Vegetable use | Immature pods eaten as green vegetable (gawar phali) |
| Climate | Drought-tolerant; suited to hot, arid conditions |
Varieties (for Green Vegetable)
- Pusa Sadabahar, Pusa Mosami, Durgapura Safed, Pusa Navbahar
Palak (Indian Spinach)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis |
| Family | Chenopodiaceae |
| Seed rate | 20-25 kg/ha |
NOTE
Palak (Beta vulgaris) is botanically a leafy variety of beet (Chenopodiaceae family), NOT the same as true spinach (Spinacia oleracea). This is a commonly confused point.
Varieties
| Variety | Special Feature |
|---|---|
| Pusa Bharti | Polyploid — chromosome doubling gives larger, thicker leaves and higher yields |
| Jobner Green | Mutant variety (mutation breeding) |
| Punjab Green, All Green, Pusa Harit, Pusa Jyoti | Standard varieties |
Seed Rate Quick Reference — All Vegetables
Seed Rate Quick Reference - All Vegetables
| Crop | Seed Rate |
|---|---|
| Tomato (normal) | 350-400 g/ha |
| Tomato (hybrid) | 100-150 g/ha |
| Brinjal | 200 g/ha |
| Chilli | 1.0-1.5 kg/ha |
| Onion | 8-10 kg/ha |
| Cabbage | 500-750 g/ha |
| Cauliflower | 450-700 g/ha |
| Cucumber | 2.5 kg/ha |
| Musk Melon | 1.5-2.0 kg/ha |
| Water Melon | 4-4.5 kg/ha |
| Carrot | 5-6 kg/ha |
| Radish | 5.5-11 kg/ha |
| Pea | 75-80 kg/ha |
| Okra (Kharif) | 8-10 kg/ha |
| Palak | 20-25 kg/ha |
Summary Table — Quick Exam Revision
Other Vegetables Quick Revision Table
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Okra botanical name | Abelmoschus esculentus |
| Okra family | Malvaceae |
| Okra origin | Africa |
| Queen of vegetables | Okra |
| Most important okra disease | YVMV (transmitted by whitefly) |
| YVMV resistant varieties | Arka Anamika, Arka Abhay, Parbhani Kranti, Punjab Padmani, Pusa-A-4 |
| Most serious okra pest | Jassid |
| Export pod length | 6-8 cm |
| Okra optimal temperature | 24-28 degrees C |
| Pea protein content | ~25% |
| Pea maturity instrument | Tenderometer |
| Pea leading state | Uttar Pradesh |
| First dwarf pea | Aparna / HFP-4 |
| Edible pod pea | Sylvia |
| Cluster bean leading state | Rajasthan |
| Cluster bean industrial product | Guar gum |
| Palak is NOT true spinach | It is Beta vulgaris (beet family) |
| Polyploid palak variety | Pusa Bharti |
| Most popular canned vegetable | Pea |
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Okra botanical name | Abelmoschus esculentus |
| Okra family | Malvaceae |
| Okra origin | Africa |
| Queen of vegetables | Okra |
| Most important okra disease | YVMV (transmitted by whitefly) |
| YVMV resistant varieties | Arka Anamika, Arka Abhay, Parbhani Kranti, Punjab Padmani |
| Most serious okra pest | Jassid |
| Export pod length for okra | 6-8 cm |
| Pea protein content | ~25% |
| Pea maturity instrument | Tenderometer |
| Pea leading state | Uttar Pradesh |
| First dwarf pea variety | Aparna / HFP-4 |
| Edible pod pea variety | Sylvia |
| Cluster bean leading state | Rajasthan |
| Cluster bean industrial product | Guar gum |
| Palak botanical name | Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis (beet family) |
| Polyploid palak variety | Pusa Bharti |
| Most popular canned vegetable | Pea |
TIP
Mnemonic for YVMV-resistant okra — “AAPPV”: Arka Anamika, Arka Abhay, Parbhani Kranti, Punjab Padmani, Varsha Upkar. All are interspecific hybrids involving wild Abelmoschus manihot.
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In the jaggery-making villages of Uttar Pradesh, farmers add okra roots and stems to boiling sugarcane juice — the mucilaginous substances act as natural clarifying agents that help remove impurities from the juice. Meanwhile in Rajasthan, cluster bean thrives in the scorching desert heat, producing seeds from which guar gum is extracted — a product so commercially valuable that it is used in everything from food processing to oil drilling and even explosives. These examples illustrate how Indian vegetable crops serve purposes far beyond the dinner plate.
IMPORTANT
Key exam facts: YVMV (Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus) resistance is the major breeding objective in okra — transmitted by whitefly. Pea has ~25% protein and maturity is measured by tenderometer. Cluster bean is led by Rajasthan. Okra is the queen of vegetables.
Okra (Bhindi / Lady’s Finger)
Botanical Identity
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Abelmoschus esculentus |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Origin | Africa |
| Also known as | Queen of vegetables |
| Leading state | West Bengal (followed by Bihar) |
| Optimal temperature | 24-28 degrees C |
| Flower bud drop above | 42 degrees C |
| Spacing | 45 cm x 30 cm |
| Export standard | 6-8 cm long fruits |
| Pioneer researcher | Dr. Harbhajan Singh |
Key Facts
- Higher iodine content — helps in controlling goitre (thyroid deficiency disease).
- Accounts for 70% of the remaining 30% of vegetable export earnings after onion.
- Roots and stems are used for clearing cane juice in jaggery (gur) preparation.
- Gives 300-500% crop land use efficiency as an intercrop in cassava and cucurbits.
- Longer fruits for domestic fresh market; 6-8 cm for export.
Seed Rate
| Season | Seed Rate |
|---|---|
| Kharif | 8-10 kg/ha |
| Hybrid | 2.5 kg/ha |
| Spring-summer | 20 kg/ha (higher due to hard seed coat, lower germination) |
YVMV — The Most Important Disease
Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV) is the most devastating disease of okra. It is caused by a Begomovirus transmitted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in a persistent manner. Infected plants show characteristic yellow netting of leaf veins, stunting, and severely reduced yield.
Management: Spray systemic insecticides (Methyl demeton or Dimethoate @ 2 ml/litre) to control the whitefly vector + grow resistant varieties.
Important Varieties
| Variety | Development Method | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Pusa Sawani | Pusa Mokhmali x IC-1542 | Day neutral, spineless, salinity tolerant, wide pH range |
| Arka Anamika | A. esculentus x A. manihot ssp. tetraphyllus | YVMV resistant (interspecific hybrid) |
| Arka Abhay | A. esculentus x A. manihot ssp. manihot | YVMV resistant; quick branching after pruning |
| Parbhani Kranti | A. esculentus x A. manihot ssp. manihot | YVMV resistant |
| Punjab Padmani | A. esculentus x A. manihot ssp. manihot | Field resistant to YVMV + tolerant to jassids and bollworm |
| Pusa-A-4 | — | YVMV resistant + tolerant to jassids and fruit/shoot borer |
| Varsha Upkar | — | Suitable for YVMV-prone areas |
| Perkins Long Green | Introduction | Suitable for hilly regions of North India |
| EMS-8 | Mutant (EMS chemical mutagen) | Mutation breeding variety |
NOTE
Most YVMV-resistant okra varieties are interspecific hybrids — crosses between cultivated A. esculentus and wild A. manihot species. The wild species provides the resistance genes.
Pests
| Pest | Scientific Name | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Jassid (most serious) | — | Yellowing, curling of leaf margins (hopper burn) |
| Fruit borer | Earias vittella | Bores into shoots and fruits |
| Blister beetle | Mylabris pustulata | Feeds on flowers; secretes cantharidin (causes skin blisters) |
Pea (Matar)
Botanical Identity
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Pisum sativum |
| Garden pea | P. sativum var. hortense |
| Family | Leguminosae (Fabaceae) |
| Protein content | ~25% (one of the most protein-rich vegetables) |
| Leading state | Uttar Pradesh (area + production) |
| Seed rate | 75-80 kg/ha (directly sown, large seed) |
| Maturity measured by | Tenderometer |
| Most popular canned vegetable | Pea (in India) |
A tenderometer measures the tenderness (or toughness) of peas by measuring the force required to shear a sample. Lower readings = more tender peas. This is critical for the processing industry.
Important Varieties
| Variety | Special Feature |
|---|---|
| Arkel | Sickle-shaped pods |
| Bonneville | Suitable for dehydration (high dry matter) |
| Sylvia | Whole pod edible (snow pea / sugar pea) |
| Arka Ajit | Powdery mildew resistant |
| Rachna | Powdery mildew resistant |
| Harbhajan | Extra early variety |
| Aparna / HFP-4 | First dwarf variety (less lodging, easier harvest) |
| Jawahar Matar-1 | Susceptible to powdery mildew |
Pest and Disease
| Problem | Cause |
|---|---|
| Stem borer | Etiella zinckenella |
| Powdery mildew | Erysiphe polygoni |
Cowpea (Lobia)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Family | Leguminosae (Fabaceae) |
| Origin | Africa |
| Uses | Green pods (vegetable), dry grain (pulse), green manure, fodder |
| Major pest | Pod fly (Ophiomyia phaseoli) |
Seed Rate by Purpose
| Purpose | Seed Rate |
|---|---|
| Rainy season vegetable | 12-15 kg/ha |
| Summer vegetable | 20-25 kg/ha |
| Fodder | 20-30 kg/ha |
Varieties
- Pusa Barsati, Pusa Dofasali, Pusa Rituraj, Pusa Komal, Kansi Gouri
- Pusa Phalguni — dwarf variety (compact growth, suitable for intercropping)
Cluster Bean (Guar)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cyamopsis tetragonoloba |
| Leading state | Rajasthan (1st in area + production) |
| Industrial uses | Guar gum — used in food processing, textiles, paper, oil drilling, explosives |
| Vegetable use | Immature pods eaten as green vegetable (gawar phali) |
| Climate | Drought-tolerant; suited to hot, arid conditions |
Varieties (for Green Vegetable)
- Pusa Sadabahar, Pusa Mosami, Durgapura Safed, Pusa Navbahar
Palak (Indian Spinach)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis |
| Family | Chenopodiaceae |
| Seed rate | 20-25 kg/ha |
NOTE
Palak (Beta vulgaris) is botanically a leafy variety of beet (Chenopodiaceae family), NOT the same as true spinach (Spinacia oleracea). This is a commonly confused point.
Varieties
| Variety | Special Feature |
|---|---|
| Pusa Bharti | Polyploid — chromosome doubling gives larger, thicker leaves and higher yields |
| Jobner Green | Mutant variety (mutation breeding) |
| Punjab Green, All Green, Pusa Harit, Pusa Jyoti | Standard varieties |
Seed Rate Quick Reference — All Vegetables
Seed Rate Quick Reference - All Vegetables
| Crop | Seed Rate |
|---|---|
| Tomato (normal) | 350-400 g/ha |
| Tomato (hybrid) | 100-150 g/ha |
| Brinjal | 200 g/ha |
| Chilli | 1.0-1.5 kg/ha |
| Onion | 8-10 kg/ha |
| Cabbage | 500-750 g/ha |
| Cauliflower | 450-700 g/ha |
| Cucumber | 2.5 kg/ha |
| Musk Melon | 1.5-2.0 kg/ha |
| Water Melon | 4-4.5 kg/ha |
| Carrot | 5-6 kg/ha |
| Radish | 5.5-11 kg/ha |
| Pea | 75-80 kg/ha |
| Okra (Kharif) | 8-10 kg/ha |
| Palak | 20-25 kg/ha |
Summary Table — Quick Exam Revision
Other Vegetables Quick Revision Table
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Okra botanical name | Abelmoschus esculentus |
| Okra family | Malvaceae |
| Okra origin | Africa |
| Queen of vegetables | Okra |
| Most important okra disease | YVMV (transmitted by whitefly) |
| YVMV resistant varieties | Arka Anamika, Arka Abhay, Parbhani Kranti, Punjab Padmani, Pusa-A-4 |
| Most serious okra pest | Jassid |
| Export pod length | 6-8 cm |
| Okra optimal temperature | 24-28 degrees C |
| Pea protein content | ~25% |
| Pea maturity instrument | Tenderometer |
| Pea leading state | Uttar Pradesh |
| First dwarf pea | Aparna / HFP-4 |
| Edible pod pea | Sylvia |
| Cluster bean leading state | Rajasthan |
| Cluster bean industrial product | Guar gum |
| Palak is NOT true spinach | It is Beta vulgaris (beet family) |
| Polyploid palak variety | Pusa Bharti |
| Most popular canned vegetable | Pea |
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Okra botanical name | Abelmoschus esculentus |
| Okra family | Malvaceae |
| Okra origin | Africa |
| Queen of vegetables | Okra |
| Most important okra disease | YVMV (transmitted by whitefly) |
| YVMV resistant varieties | Arka Anamika, Arka Abhay, Parbhani Kranti, Punjab Padmani |
| Most serious okra pest | Jassid |
| Export pod length for okra | 6-8 cm |
| Pea protein content | ~25% |
| Pea maturity instrument | Tenderometer |
| Pea leading state | Uttar Pradesh |
| First dwarf pea variety | Aparna / HFP-4 |
| Edible pod pea variety | Sylvia |
| Cluster bean leading state | Rajasthan |
| Cluster bean industrial product | Guar gum |
| Palak botanical name | Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis (beet family) |
| Polyploid palak variety | Pusa Bharti |
| Most popular canned vegetable | Pea |
TIP
Mnemonic for YVMV-resistant okra — “AAPPV”: Arka Anamika, Arka Abhay, Parbhani Kranti, Punjab Padmani, Varsha Upkar. All are interspecific hybrids involving wild Abelmoschus manihot.
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