INSECT PEST CONTROL AND PRODUCTIVIVITY OF OKRO (Abelmoschus esculentus) TRAPPED IN BETWEEN COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata) AND ROSELLE (Hibiscus sabdariffa) PLANTS

Abstract

The use of trapped cropping system in the control of insect pest of okro was evaluated using cowpea and Roselle as the trapping plants. Insect population, plant growth and yields parameters were monitored. A total of four different types of insect pests (aphid (Aphis gossypii), leaf hopper (Amarasca bigutulla), flea (Podagrica sjostedti) and cotton stainer (Dysdercus cingulatus) were observed throughout the period of study in all the plots. The relative abundance of the pests increased from week 5 to week 7 and decreased at week 9. Trapping system caused a significant reduction in insect population on trapped okro as compared to the control plot. At week 5 of cultivation, the results obtained revealed that okro trapped between cowpea and cowpea (TCC) had the highest average plant height (65.00+2.88cm) and number of flowers (16.00+1.15) which were significantly different (P<0.005) from other plots and control. The highest number of fruit (13.66+0.88) was harvested from the okro trapped between roselle and roselle (TRR) and the number of fruits (7.59+0.87) harvested from okro trapped between cowpea and roselle (TCR) was not significantly different from control (8.00+0.57). Throughout the period of study, okro in control shows the highest insect pest infestation and low yield. Roselle and Cowpea plants are effective as a trapped crop, control insect infestation to minimum and results in increase yield of okro plant. This result has revealed the importance of trap cropping, as an alternative option to management of insect pests by small holder farmers. Trapped cropping system should be encouraged as a means of reducing insect population and increase yield of the target plant.