World record okra plant gets late-game assist from DSU's Fighting Okra
Cleveland, MS (10/28/2024) — Contact: Christy Riddle FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (662) 846-4336
Email: criddle@deltastate.edu
World record okra plant gets late-game assist from DSU's Fighting Okra
CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Delta State University Fighting Okra made a trip to Lee County recently to offer scowls of encouragement to an exceptional cousin. Weylon and Tonja Michael have grown an okra plant that, at the time of the visit, was just short of breaking the world record for the tallest okra plant ever, anywhere in the world. The previous record was 16' 4.75." Naturally, the Fighting Okra wanted to help in any way possible, so he made the trek to Tupelo to menace the elements into facilitating some late October fecundity.
Weylon said, "I wasn't really thinking about this happening. We asked a friend who is an accomplished gardener how tall okra plants generally get, and he said five or six feet. Ours was already twice that."
The weather has cooperated, and the Michael's gardening prowess and engineering ingenuity has caused the plant to thrive, growing about an inch a day. Strong winds and a cold snap threatened the plant a few weeks ago, but the Michaels secured the plant to the side of their house with straps, covered it in plastic, and ran a line from a nearby dryer vent under the plastic to keep the plant warm. The plant is now as tall at the peak of their roof.
Botanists from Mississippi State Extension Service have measured the plant at 17 feet and the plant is still growing about an inch per day and is still producing pods. Weylon and Tonja will be submitting the required documentation to have the plant officially recognized as the new world record holder in the coming days.
The Michaels reached out to Dr. Christy Riddle, Delta State's Chief Marketing Officer to enlist the Fighting Okra's help. She said, "I received an email letting me know that Tonja and Weylon had grown a very tall okra plant, and they were trying to beat the world record. My first thought was, 'Is this a scam?' But then, I realized, who would try to scam me about a gigantic okra plant?"
Weylon said, "We were shocked and thrilled that the Fighting Okra would come all this way over to this side of the state. It was a great experience for us."
Local Tupelo media and the Mississippi State Extension Office have helped the Michaels document the growth of the exceptional Abelmoschus esculentus. Weylon said, "We never expected to get so much attention, but we are very appreciative of everyone taking part in this."
The Fighting Okra was available for comment, but didn't make one, since he doesn't speak.
Cutline 1: The DSU Fighting Okra checks the height of his impressive cousin.
Cutline 2: Biologists measured the plant Friday to be an even 17' and still growing.
Cutline 3: Weylon and Tonja Michael were presented with a memento of the occasion by the Fighting Okra.
About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,700 students come from most U.S. states and more than 45 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 14 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.
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The DSU Fighting Okra checks the height of his impressive cousin.
Biologists measured the plant Friday to be an even 17’ and still growing.
Weylon and Tonja Michael were presented with a memento of the occasion by the Fighting Okra.