Effects of Leaf Age and Flower Removal of Okra on Its Leaf Content of Lutein and β-carotene

Three lines of okra were determined in terms of leaf content of lutein and β-carotene at different leaf ages or at the time of flower removal. The results showed that the leaf age had great effect on the leaf content of lutein and β-carotene, and that the leaf age of okra with the highest leaf lutein and β-carotene content changed with the lines. The highest content of both lutein and β-carotene occurred at day 20 for line 018, at day 30 for line 024, and at day 40 for line 021. Flower removal had different effects on the leaf content of lutein and β-carotene, depending on okra lines. Flower removal reduced the leaf content of lutein and β-carotene in lines 018 and 024, but increased it in line 021.