Management of plant parasitic nematodes in okra (<i>Abelmuschus esculentus </i>L. Moench) using neem leaf powder and Carbofuran in Sudan and Northern Guinea Savannah, North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Field experiments were carried out during the 2013 cropping season at Teaching and Research Farm, University of Maiduguri and at Lassa, Askira Uba local Government Area, Borno State to investigate the use of neem leaf powder (NLP) and carbofuran alone and in combination as amendment in managing plant parasitic nematode infecting four varieties of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) (Alau, Eklenson, Lady`s finger and Utonkon). The experiment was carried out in split plot design replicated 3 times. Result indicated that NLP and carbofuran in combination were more effective for nematode suppression with a reduction factor of 86.3 % and 89.6 % in Maiduguri and Lassa, respectively. Application of NLP and carbofuran at 0.5 ton/ha and 1 kg a.i/ha resulted in highest fruit weight (4.42 kg in Maiduguri and 4.45 kg in Lassa) and the lowest fruit weight was observed under control plots. In Lassa and Maiduguri, Alau and Eklenson variety of okra respectively treated with the combination of NLP + carbofuran recorded the highest fruit weight and lowest number of galls in both locations. It was concluded that appropriate management of plant-parasitic nematodes will promote higher fruit yields in okra.