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Main Article Content
Evaluation of Some Natural Products for the Control of Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp) Infestation on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L)
Abstract
Field experiments were conducted at Amakama Ikputu in Umuahia South LGA, Abia State, Nigeria in 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of some natural products (Azadirachta indica (Neem leaf), Tetracarpiduim conophorum (Wallnut leaf), Pleurotus tuberiegium (usu), Alchornea cordifolia (christmas bush leaf), Cassava peels (CP), Poultry droppings in the control of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp) population on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Monech). The experiments were laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design with seven treatments replicated three times including the controls. The treatments were applied at the rate of 30 grams per plant. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of pods per plant, weight of pod, fresh root weight, dry shoot weight, fruit yield, number of galls and final nematode population. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means separated using Fishers Least Significance Difference (F-LSD) at a 5% level of probability. Okra plants treated with neem leaves (867.00) [63.00] and (900.00) [133.00] recorded the highest Meloidogyne spp reduction, followed closely by okra plants treated with poultry droppings (967.00) [82.00] and (900.00) [165.00] and cassava peels (800.00) [97.00] and (900.00) [169.00] while the least reduction was recorded by the controls (900.00) [418.00] and (887.00) [1000.00] in 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons respectively. In terms of fruit yield, okra plants treated with neem leaves recorded the highest fruit yield (6.60 kg/ha) (3.20 kg/ha), closely followed by the okra plants treated with poultry droppings (5.40 kg/ha) (2.60 kg/ha) and okra plants treated with cassava peels (5.40 kg/ha) (2.30 kg/ha) among others while the control plots recorded the lowest yield ((2.80 kg/ha) (2.20 kg/ha) in 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons respectively. Results obtained revealed that there were significant differences between the okra plants treated with the natural products and the controls. However, okra plants treated with neem leaves, poultry droppings and cassava peels proved to be more effective compared to the other natural products and the controls in the reduction/control of root-knot nematodes as well as an increase in the yield of okra plant.
