EFFECT OF YELLOW VEIN MOSAIC VIRUS DISEASE OF OKRA ON GROWTH AND PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF SOME OKRA CULTIVARS IN DUTSIN-MA

Abstract

The study was conducted on okra, an important food consumed in Dutsin ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. Reports have indicates the effect of viral infections on produce quantity and quality, this study determined and document the effect of yellow vein mosaic virus disease of okra on performance and nutritional composition of some okra cultivars in Dutsin-ma, Sudan Savannah. Seedlings were inoculated with the virus at 1 week post emergence. Each cultivar was evaluated as inoculated (infected) and uninoculated (Healthy) treatments. Percent disease severity of infection (%), yield related parameters and proximate analysis of pod were measured. Data were subjected to independent t test and significance was determined at 5 % level of probability. Percent disease severity was highest in ‘Yar Balla’ (21.3%) as compared to the remaining cultivars. Reductions in plant height (8.8 %), fruit weight (37.6 %) and crude protein were significantly lower in ‘Yar Balla’ and ‘Jikin Mutum’ The present study reveal that the reduction in crude protein as a result of YVMV infection would worsen the protein deficiency problem of the populace who depend on the crop as the cheapest means of obtaining their daily protein and mineral requirement. There is therefore the need to prevent viral infection of vegetable crops in order to ensure high yield and guarantee its nutritive value.