Influence of 2, 3-dihydro-2, 2-dimethyl benzofuran rates and Okra varieties on the incidence of flea beetle

Abstract

Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Syn. Hibiscus esculentus) is an important vegetable crop cultivated mainly for its immature edible green fruits that are known for their high levels of vitamins A, C and some minerals. Unfortunately, insect pests are a major setback for commercial production of the crop in many countries in Africa. Among the insect pests that cause economic damage on the crop, the flea beetle, Podagrica uniformis JAC. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is the most serious in the recent times. The most efficacious rate of 2, 3- dihydro-2, 2-dimethyl benzofuran or carbofuran, one of the systemic pesticides, for Okra varieties. This study was conducted to determine the most efficacious rate of carbofuran 3G, one of the systemic pesticides, for Okra varieties. Treatments included carbofuran 3G rates (0.0, 0.75, 1.5, and 2.25 kg a.i. ha^-1) and three Okra varieties (Tae-38, NHae-47 and cv ‘Awgu early’). The incidences of P. uniformis were significantly affected by the carbofuran rates and Okra varieties. Carbofuran at 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 was superior in reducing the incidence and increasing pod yield. The effect of the insecticide also decreased with increase in plant age, especially from 6 weeks after planting. All the varieties planted differed significantly in the incidence of P. uniformis. NHae-47 was the most resistant, while ‘‘Awgu early’’ had the highest beetle infestation. All the varieties had higher pod yields under higher carbofuran application than the control; with Nhae-47 producing the highest and ‘‘Awgu early’’ the least pods yield.

Keywords: Carbofuran, Podagrica uniformis