Grower’s Guide: A Review for Sustainable Production of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus) in West Africa and Other Regions

Abstract

Abstract: This paper provides detailed information specifically the botany, history, and current statistical report on okra as well as how it is cultivated. Major biotic and abiotic stress factors impeding the production of okra and the sustainability aspect in the production of the crop are discussed. Many reasons for poor growth and development, low yield of okra as well as seed dormancy or okra plant death are mentioned. These include poor quality of seed and some biotic stresses particularly yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) and abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, various water stresses and high moisture content. However, okra as a tropical and subtropical crop is drought-resistant, thus does well under drought conditions. Notwithstanding, high moisture content, salinity, and the yellow vein mosaic virus disease are the major factors affecting the crop. These conditions especially the yellow vein mosaic virus disease reduce okra yield to about 94% depending on the time of infestation after germination. To control the mosaic virus disease, very limited success has been achieved by chemical methods (including the application of neem oil, Acetamiprid, Imidacloprid and Trizophos), which also are not permanent since some resistant cultivar become susceptible with time. Therefore, advance breeding and development of host resistance to viruses and measures to combat salinity are the important strategies against these impeding conditions.