Introduction

Pest control in Bhendi, commonly known as okra or lady's finger, is crucial for ensuring optimal crop yield and quality. Bhendi is susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, jassids, whiteflies, and fruit borers, which can cause significant damage to both the plant and its pods. Effective pest management strategies are essential to mitigate these threats and include a combination of cultural practices, biological control, and chemical treatments. Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) techniques can help minimize pest infestation while reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting sustainable agriculture, and safeguarding the environment. Regular monitoring, early detection, and timely intervention are key components in managing pest populations and ensuring the healthy growth of Bhendi crops.

Shoot and Fruit Borer - Earias vitella, Earias insulana

Symptoms

Terminal shoots wither and droop

Shedding of buds and flowers

Bore hole in fruits and feed into it

Deformed fruits

Management

Set up pheromone trap @ 12/ha.

Release of   egg   parasite Trichogramma        chilonis @            0 lakh/ha.

Release of    1st    instar    larvae    of                green       lacewing predator Chrysoperla carnea @ 10,000/ha.

Shoot weevil: Alcidodes affaber

Symptoms

Grub feed on stem and galls are formed in the stem and petiole

Adults feed on leaf buds and terminal shoots

Management

Basal application of FYM 25 t/ha or 250 kg/ha of neem

Red cotton bug: Dysdercus cingulatus

Symptoms

Infested seeds become discoloured and shrivelled

Management

Conserve the biocontrol agent Harpactor costalis predaceous on nymph and adult

Spray phosphamidon 40 SL @ 600 ml/ha

 Whitefly: Bemisia tabaci

Symptoms

Chlorotic spots on the leaves which latter coalesce forming irregular yellowing of leaf tissue

Severe infestation results in premature defoliation

Development of sooty mold

Vector of yellow vein mosaic virus

Management

Spray any of the following insecticide

Phosalone 35 EC @ 5 l/ha

Quinalphos 25 EC @ 0 l/ha

Triazophos 40 EC @ 0 l/ha

 

Conclusion

It’s critical to realize that IPM techniques provide efficient means of managing insect pests. Large-scale okra production. Making use of natural bio agents and botanical compounds in okra cultivation is a wise use of Integrated Pest Management. Lastly, chemical pesticides manufactured by humans. Moreover, IPM might be suggested as a helpful choice. An alternative to chemical-based agriculture. The same degree of efficient control is offered by botanicals.