Diseases, Insect-pests Of Okra: Their Symptoms And Control Measures

Malvaceae is the family of the okra crop or Lady Finger crop. Okra is an annual crop grown for its green color and vibrant taste. It contains calcium, protein, vitamins, and other nutritious minerals. Okra cultivation happens worldwide, and India is the largest producer of okra crops.

This article will guide you to the symptoms of pests and diseases in Okra, also known as Lady Finger. Some preventive measures are also mentioned to protect okra cultivation. We have bought some preventive measures for ultimate protection from diseases promoting high-yield Okra. Let’s read about them to understand how and when to apply them.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Okra diseases

Insects, pests, and fungal infection

Pests and their control measures in okra

Shoot and fruit borer

Fruit bores

Aphid pests

Okra (Lady’s Finger) Diseases and Prevention

FAQs

1. Name some natural and biological control over okra disease.
2. How to make pesticides for okra diseases?

Introduction to Okra diseases

Poor drainage and heavy clayey soil invite fungal infections and diseases in Okra. By showing no resistance to verticillium wilt, the okra roots develop damage, and pale or yellow color leaves seeds. Sources indicate the early symptoms and shriveling leaves die due to infection spread. The fungal infection spreads in winter and makes it impossible to cure through chemical solutions. Heating or solarizing the soil with plastic sheets beneath keeps the fungal infections away from okra roots.

Insect pests and Fungal Infection

Loss of vigour and dying leaves are caused due to diseases in the okra crop. Red spider mites suck the leaves, causing yellow and brown speckles. Aphids suck the CHLOROPHYLL, nutrients, and protein from leaves and stems. Tobacco whiteflies and whitefly nymphs damage the same way by turning leaves yellow that eventually drop off. 

A regular spray of insecticides and monitoring the leaves can help detect the issue early on, and preventive measures can save from okra diseases.

Pests and its control measures in okra farming

• Shoot and fruit borer

– The larvae of the insect bore in the shoots during the vegetative growth and affect the nodes, this results in cause drooping of shoots.

– Spray the Flubendiamide with 40-60ml per acre added in 200 litre water or spinosad 80ml per acre. Either destroy the affected areas.

• Fruit borers

-Borer infections cause topping, death of young seedlings & leaves, withering, and damage to central shoots. later it enters the fruit and damages it severely.

-Summer ploughing and clean cultivation reduce the chances of borer in okra. Deltamethrin spray is proven effective in the control of borer.  

• Sucking pests

-Deformation and curling of early-stage leaves are signs of infection. The affected leaves turn yellowish and curl are symptoms of aphid pests.

-Apply dimethoate 300 ml/150 litre of water after 25-30 days of sowing or remove the infected parts as soon as possible to stop the okra diseases.

Okra (Lady’s Finger) Diseases and Prevention

• Yellow-vein mosaic

– The homogenous tangled web of yellow veins and enclosing green tissue are characteristics of okra diseases.

– In between 10-day intervals, spray the solution of Oxydemeton methyl (0.02%) or Dimethoate (0.05%) and 2% mineral oil. Use hybrid varieties like Arka Abhay and Arka Anamika.

• Powdery mildew

-White powdery build-up gets visible on the fruits and young leaves. The stagnant growth of fruit or falling is a sign of okra disease. 

– Trimorph of 5 ml or Penconazal by 10 ml/ 10 liter of water in 10 days for four times or Wettable sulfur 25gm/10 litre of water in the same quantity. 

• Root rot

– Early symptoms are brown leaves, and in the last stage, the plant dies.

-Monocropping, crop rotation, soil solarization, and deep ploughing are the best prevention. Drench the soil before sowing with Carbendazim 1g/liter mixed in water.

FAQs

Q1. Name some natural and pests to control okra disease.

– Lacewings, Parasitic wasps, lady beetles, and spiders are common pests in the okra disease. On the other hand, clover, alyssum, and parsley are the crops that benefit from preventing okra diseases.

Q2. How to make home remedies to prevent okra diseases?

– Make a solution of 2 tablespoons of non-odour scent-free vegetable-based liquid soap and dye mixed in one gallon of water. This spray will prevent the early-stage okra crop.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.