Assessment of Moringa oleifera as Bio-Pesticide against Podagrica spp on the growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Abstract

In the A field experiment was carried out to determine the effects of varying concentrations of Moringa oleifera leave aqueous extract on growth, yield and control of insect Podagrica spp. The experiment was set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of five treatments replicated three times. The varying treatment concentrations were; 1:10, 1:20, 1:30 and 1:40. Okra seeds of Clemson spineless variety was planted at a spacing of 60 cm by 30 cm. Plant growth parameters of plant height, stem girth, leaf area and number of leaves were taken at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks after bio-pesticides application while yield parameters of number of fruits and pod analysis were taken at harvest with harvesting carried out at four days intervals. Insect count was observed at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks after bio-pesticides and percentage defoliation of leaves evaluated. It was observed during the experiment that plant height and stem girth did not show significant differences in the mean value of treatments at 1 and 2 weeks after bio-pesticides application (WAB) while at 3 to 6 WAB, the differences became evidence with treatment 1:30 and 1:40 having significantly higher mean values. Plots treated with 1:30 and 1:40 had significantly higher fruit numbers. The yield in kg/ha also shows significantly higher mean values with treatment concentrations of 1:30 and 1:40 and the control having a low yield. Also, treatment concentration of 1:30 and 1:40 had significant control effect on the population of Podagrica spp and therefore gave lowered percentage defoliation. The different concentration of Moringa oleifera leave aqueous extract had significant control effect on insect Podagrica spp.