Comparative Efficacy of Plant Extracts with Synthetic against Insect Pests of Okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> L. Monech)

Abstract

A field study was carried out during the two cropping seasons of okra to investigate the efficacy of plant extracts and synthetic insecticides applied singly and synergistic effect of botanicals with the synthetic insecticide on some insect pests of okra. Plots were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with three replications. Three insect pests of okra (Podagrica uniformis, Podagrica sjostedti and Zenocerous variegatus) were observed on the field. Cypermethrin applied singly and Cypermethrin combined with plant extracts effectively controlled observed insect pests, followed by lone application of plant extracts (L camara, T. vogelii and Z. officinales plant extracts at 1st and 2nd season. Okra yield revealed that both plant extract and Cypermethrin combined with plant extract were not significantly different from one another at first season and at second season Cypermethrin combined with plant extracts performed better than Cypermethrin applied singly. This study indicates that the studied plant extracts can be good synergist for Cypermethrin in controlling field pest of okra.