Management of Major Insects of Okra/Bhendi

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Management of Major Insects of Okra/Bhendi

Okra or Lady Finger crops belong to the Malvaceae family. Okra is mostly grown for its green tender nutritive fruits. Okra is a rich source of vitamins, calcium, protein, and other minerals. India is one of the largest producers of Okra in the world.

  The crop is attacked by several pests like Fruit borer, leaf roller, Jassids, Aphids, etc that may cause damage to the crop. Proper identification and management of these pests should be done for control measures.

1. Shoot and fruit borer: Earias vitella, E. insulana

Symptoms of damage:

• Terminal shoots wither and droop

• Shedding of buds and flowers

• Borehole in fruits and fee

• Deformed fruits

Control measures:

Neem oil (Azadirachtin 0.03% WSP (300 ppm))3-5 ml/1 liter water or proclaim (Emamectin benzoate 5% SG) 0.5gms/1 liter of water or Ekalux (Quinalphos 25 % EC) 2 ml /1 liter of water

2. Leaf roller: Sylepta derogata

Symptoms of damage:

• Caterpillar rolled the leaves
• Scrapping the chlorophyll content and feeding inside
• Defoliation

Control measures:

Sumitomo Meothrin( Fenpropathrin 30% EC )  0.5ml/1 liter of water or Coragen (Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % W/W)0.4 ml / 1 liter of water or  Ekalux (Quinalphos 25 % EC) 2 ml /1 liter of water

3. Semilooper: Anomis flava

Symptoms of damage:

• Caterpillar fed on the leaves

• Defoliation

Control measures:

Coragen (Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % W/W)0.4 Ml / 1 Liter of water. Or Rogor or tafgor(Dimethoate 30% EC)1-2 ml/1 liter of water.

4. Whitefly: Bemisia tabaci

Symptoms of damage:

• Chlorotic spots on the leaves later coalesce forming irregular yellowing of leaf tissue
• Severe infestation results in premature defoliation
• Development of sooty mold
• Vector of yellow vein mosaic virus

Control measures:

Confidor(17.8% imidacloprid)0.05-0.1 milliliters/1 liter of water. Or Lancer gold (Acephate 50 % + Imidacloprid 1.8 % SP)2gm/1 liter of water or Solomon(Beta-Cyfluthrin + Imidacloprid 300 OD (8.49 + 19.81 % w/w))0.1-0.25 milliliters/1 liter of water 

5. Aphid: Aphis gossypii

Symptoms of damage:

• Infesting tender shoots and under the surface of the leaves.
• Curling and crinkling of leaves
• Stunted growth
• Development of black sooty mold due to the excretion of honeydew

Control measures:
Anshul Ikon Or TATA MANIK (Acetamiprid 20% SP)  0.5 gm/liter or Karate(Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC)2ml/1 liter of water or keefun(Tolfenpyrad 15%ec) 1.5-2 ml/1 liter of water

6. Jassids: Amrasca devastates

• Tender leaves become yellow
• The margin of the leaves start curling downwards and reddening sets in
• In the case of severe infestation leaves get a bronze which is typical “hopper burn” symptom
• The margins of the leaf get broken and crumble into pieces when crushed
• The leaves dried up and shed and the growth of the crop was regarded

Control measures:

Syngenta Curacron Insecticide(Profenofos 50% EC)1.5 - 2.5 ml /1 liter of water or Syngenta Pegasus (Diafenthiuron 50%WP)0.5 gm - 1 gm /1 liter of water.

7. Shoot weevil: Alcidodes affaber

Symptoms of damage:

• Grub feed on the stem and galls are formed in the stem and petiole

• Adults feed on leaf buds and terminal shoots

Control measures:

Karate(Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC)2ml/1 liter of water or Nagarjuna Profex Super Insecticide(Profenophos 40% + Cypermethrin 4%)2ml/1 liter of water 

8. Stem weevil: Pempherulus affinis

Symptoms of damage:

• Grub feed on the stem and galls are formed in the stem and petiole

• Adults feed on leaf buds and terminal shoots

Control measures:

Karate(Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC)2ml/1 liter of water or Nagarjuna Profex Super Insecticide(Profenophos 40% + Cypermethrin 4%)2ml/1 liter of  water 

Okra Insect Management: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions on okra insect management:

Q: How can I identify the specific insect harming my okra plants?

A: Look closely for signs of damage and the insect itself. Consult extension office resources or online guides with pictures of common okra pests to aid in identification.

Q: When is the best time to apply pest control methods?

A: Focus on preventative measures like cultural practices before pest populations explode. If using insecticides, apply them according to the label instructions, which often target specific insect life stages.

Q: Are there any organic options for controlling okra insects?

A: Yes! Introduce beneficial insects, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil sprays, and prioritize cultural practices like crop rotation and field sanitation.

Q: What happens if I don't manage insect pests in my okra?

A: Uncontrolled insect infestations can significantly reduce your okra yield and the overall health of your plants. In severe cases, complete crop failure can occur.

Q: Where can I find more information about okra insect management?

A: Your local cooperative extension office is a great resource. Additionally, universities with agricultural programs often publish research-based information online.

Tags

Agriculture Aphids Blogs Gallery Chewing Pests Farming Fruit Borers Fruit Flies Mites Nematodes okra Stem Borer Sucking Pest Thrips

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