author(s)
BL Naga, M Sharma, SL Sharma and S Choudhary

abstract
The present investigation was carried out to find biochemical factors in Okra, (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Moench infesting Mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus, Boisduval) during 2004-2005. The infested and healthy leaves of different okra varieties were examined for different biochemical parameters using standard techniques. Total soluble sugars and silica contents were higher in healthy leaves in comparison to damaged leaves, while protein and phenols were low as compared to infested leaves in all the varieties. The reduction in total soluble sugars in mite infested leaves might be due to impaired photosynthesis and subsequent utilization by T. cinnabarinus. observations recorded on different biochemical attributes for both the years also indicated that total soluble sugars and silica contents were higher in healthy leaves in comparison to damaged leaves while, protein and phenols were low in healthy leaves as compared to infested leaves. The biochemical analysis of leaves of different varieties showed highly positive correlation between total soluble sugars and total soluble protein with mite population while such correlations were negative with regards to total phenol and total silica.