Opportunities to capture anticipated niche markets for diverse populations continue to rise. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), considered a high-value crop, is rich in nutritional and medicinal properties; however, fresh okra is highly perishable. This study examined the effects of thermal pre-treatments and drying processes in combination on the nutritional quality of dried okra. The experiment consisted of two thermal treatments (steam-blanched and hot water-blanched, and the control) and three drying treatments (freeze-dried, hot air-dried, and infrared-dried). Okra was grown in black plastic mulch, harvested twice per week, and processed three times throughout the growing season. The study analyzed moisture content, water activity, phytonutrients, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, and antioxidant activities. No significant differences were observed in moisture content and water activity among the treatments. Significant differences were observed among treatments and harvest time for total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. Notable differences in β-carotene content were observed across all treatments. Based on the findings, the steam-blanched freeze-dried treatment was the most effective preservation technique for maintaining the nutritional and functional quality of dried okra. Hot water-blanching, hot air-drying, and infrared-drying were the least effective for the development of a high-value, nutrient-dense dried okra value-added product.

Amaranthus viridis Linn, (Amaranth), or green amaranth, is grown by small farmers on the Delmarva Peninsula. The pigweed flea beetle is one of the key insect pests of amaranth. Here, the efficacy of organic insecticide (Neem-oil and Spinosad), conventional insecticide (Sevin), and hemp, Cannabis sativa (trap crop), was tested to manage the beetle and other insects in this 2-yr study. Spinosad and Sevin significantly reduced the number of insects in amaranth plants and increased the total fresh leaf yield. However, neither insecticide is registered for use in A. viridis in Maryland. Hemp as a trap crop was planted at 4 distance points from amaranth plants (control, 0.9, 1.8, and 2.7 m) in 2023. Hemp seems to be a good trap crop in the amaranth field, especially if it is planted at the appropriate distance (ie 2.7 m (?≈3 feet)) from the amaranth plant. The damage by the beetles was reduced as the distance from the trap crop increased, possibly due to the beetles’ movement pattern from the field’s edge toward the amaranth plants. However, this study needs further investigation to understand the role of hemp phytochemicals in attracting or repelling the pigweed flea beetle or other insects.