Performance of Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench (OKRA) under Various Applications of Pesticides and Fertilizers in an Oxic Paleustalf

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the performance of okra, (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench) under various applications of pesticides and fertilizer in Oxic Paleustalf. A field experiment was carried out to examine the effect of the combination of varying levels of neem (100%, 75% and 50% concentration), cypermethrin (350 ml and 250 ml), poultry manure (6000 kg and 8000 kg) and NPK fertilizer (112 kg and 83 kg) on the growth, yield and yield component of okra. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The results show that the application of the various pesticides and fertilizer have significant effects P= 0.05 on the performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The combined application of 100% neem, 350 ml/ha cypermethrin, 8000 kg/ha poultry manure and 112 kg/ha NPK fertilizer reduced pest population compared to the control plot. The combination of 50% neem, 350 ml/ha cypermethrin, 6000 kg/ha poultry manure and 112 kg/ha NPK fertilizer produced the best yield in the numbers and weight of okra fruits. It is concluded that the Combined application of pesticides and fertilizer resulted in the control of pest population and significantly P= 0.05 increased the soil fertility and yield of okra planted on Oxic Paleustalf.