Biochemical Response of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) to Selenium (Se) under Drought Stress

Drought stress restricts the growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) by disrupting its biochemical and physiological functions. The current study was conducted to evaluate role selenium (0, 1, 2, 3 mg Se L−1 as a foliar application) in improving tolerance drought (control (100% field capacity-FC), mild (70% FC), severe (35% FC)) imposed 30 days after sowing (DAS). (severe) markedly decreased chlorophyll (32.21%) carotenoid (39.6%) contents but increased anthocyanin (40%), proline (46.8%), peroxidase (POD 12.5%), ascorbate (APX 11.9%), catalase (CAT 14%) activities. Overall, application significantly alleviated stress-related disturbances okra. Mainly, (21%) well (15.14%), (18.16%), antioxidant activities both under control conditions. Selenium played beneficial reducing damage caused oxidative stress, enhancing antioxidants contents, improved plant stress. Therefore, crops including especially, must be supplemented with for obtaining optimum yield arid semiarid drought-affected areas.