Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of Plant Extracts For The Control Of Okpa Flea Beetle (Podagrica Spp) In Umudike

ABSTRACT

Field experiments were conducted at The Research Farm of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike during 2000 (late planting season) and 2001 (early planting season) to assess the field effectiveness of 5% and 10% aqueous extracbof Monodora myristica; (Gaertn) Dunal, Piper guineense (Schum and Thonn), Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich and Garcinia ko/a(Heckel) as well as a synthetic pyrethroid, Lamdacyhalothrin applied at 25g a.i/ha and control (untreated plot) against Podagrica spp damage on Okra. Significant reduction (P~0.05) in Podagrica population and increase in fresh green pod yield of Okra was recorded on plots treated with Lamdacyhalothrin, 5% and 10% aqueous seed extracts of Piper guineense. Similarly, the percentage defoliation was lowest in these three treatments. Correlation studies revealed that there was a negative correlation between yield and Podagrica population and yield and leaf area defoliated. Treatment with 5% and 10% aqueous seed extracts of Piper guineense could be used as alternative or complimentary to synthetic chemicals in the Podagrica control on Okra in the area.