Influence of weeding regimes and Cypercot on flea beetles (Podagrica spp) populations and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Abstract

The combination of regular weeding and appropriate insecticide application was effective against the insect pest. Influence of weeding frequencies and cypercot (a combination of cypermethrin 250 g/L + dimethoate 150 g/L) concentrations were assessed on infestation and damage caused by okra flea beetle (Podagrica spp) on okra during 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons. The experiment was a split-plot design with weeding frequencies (0, 1, 2 and 3 weedings) as the main plots and five cypercot applications (0.0, 0.5, 1.5 and 2.0 L/ha) as the subplots on a plot size of 4.0 m × 5.0 m replicated three times. The results showed that okra plants weeded three times and applied with cypercot at 1.5 L/ha and 2.0 L/ha were effective in reducing Podagrica spp infestation and damage during the study period. The combination of these control methods was found to be appropriate in the control of the pest and good for enhancing okra productivity in the area. This study recommended three weeding combined with the application of cypercot at 1.5 L/ha for the optimum production of okra in the study area. Keywords: Okra, Podagrica spp, cypercot, concentration, frequency.