Here are some of the major pests of okra, along with their scientific names, family, damaging stage, nature of damage, oviposition and pupation sites, and management strategies:
1. Okra fruit borer
- Scientific name: Earias vittella
- Family: Noctuidae
- Damaging stage: Larvae
- Nature of damage: The larvae bore into the fruit, causing it to rot and drop prematurely.
- Oviposition and pupation site: The female lays eggs on the fruit or leaves, and the larvae pupate in the soil.
- Management: Cultural practices such as crop rotation and timely harvesting can help reduce infestations. Chemical control using insecticides may also be necessary.
2. Aphids
- Scientific name: Aphis gossypii
- Family: Aphididae
- Damaging stage: Adults and nymphs
- Nature of damage: Aphids suck the sap from leaves and other plant tissues, causing distortion and yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
- Oviposition and pupation site: N/A (Aphids reproduce asexually and do not have a pupal stage)
- Management: Cultural practices such as regular monitoring, pruning and removal of infested plant parts, and use of beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can help control aphids. Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used.
3. Whiteflies
- Scientific name: Bemisia tabaci
- Family: Aleyrodidae
- Damaging stage: Adults and nymphs
- Nature of damage: Whiteflies also suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and curling of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield. They can also transmit plant viruses.
- Oviposition and pupation site: N/A (Whiteflies lay eggs on the undersides of leaves, and the larvae and pupae remain on the plant)
- Management: Cultural practices such as regular monitoring, pruning and removal of infested plant parts, and use of beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can help control whiteflies. Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used, as well as insecticides.
4. Fruit and shoot borer
- Scientific name: Leucinodes orbonalis
- Family: Pyralidae
- Damaging stage: Larvae
- Nature of damage: The larvae bore into the fruit and shoots, causing wilting, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
- Oviposition and pupation site: The female lays eggs on the fruit or shoots, and the larvae pupate in the soil.
- Management: Cultural practices such as crop rotation and timely harvesting can help reduce infestations. Chemical control using insecticides may also be necessary.
5. Spider mites
- Scientific name: Tetranychus urticae
- Family: Tetranychidae
- Damaging stage: Adults and nymphs
- Nature of damage: Spider mites feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and bronzing of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
- Oviposition and pupation site: N/A (Spider mites lay eggs on the undersides of leaves, and the larvae and nymphs remain on the plant)
- Management: Cultural practices such as regular monitoring, pruning and removal of infested plant parts, and use of beneficial insects like predatory mites can help control spider mites. Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used, as well as insecticides.
