Systematic screening and validation of reliable reference genes for qRT-PCR analysis in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.).

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is a sensitive and widely used technique for quantifying gene expression levels, and its accuracy depends on the reference genes used for data normalization. To date, no reference gene has been reported in the nutritious and functional vegetable okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.).