Effect of Okra Varieties and Intercropping Systems on Insect Pest Populations and Yield of Okra in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

A field experiment conducted at the University of Uyo teaching and research farm, Uyo, Nigeria, during 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of okra varieties and intercropping systems on the management of insect pests and yield of okra was arranged in a 3 x 2 split plot design arrangement of treatments, fitted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated three times. The okra varieties (Clemson spineless, NH47-4 & Local variety (Idok)) and intercropping systems (sole okra and okra-ginger intercrop) constituted the main plot and sub-plot respectively. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using LSD. Result of the study showed that the three varieties of Okra had significant (P≤0.05) effect on the populations of the insect pests except for aphids. However, Clemson spineless significantly (P≤0.05) had the lowest populations of flea beetles (88.81 and 91.26 in the two years respectively) and Whiteflies (51.48 & 55.22 in the two years respectively) while local variety (idok) significantly (P≤0.05) had lowest populations of leafhoppers (12.26 & 11.33 respectively for 2020 &2021) and cotton bugs (6.56 & 11.78 in 2020 & 2021 respectively). The populations of the entire insect pests were significantly (P≤0.05) lower in okra-ginger intercrop compared to sole okra. Interaction effect revealed that Clemson spineless intercrop with ginger significantly (P≤0.05) had the lowest populations of flea beetles, whiteflies, leafhoppers and aphids while local variety (idok) intercrop with ginger still had the lowest populations of cotton bug. Highest okra yield (39.93 & 49.91 t/ha for 2020 & 2021, respectively) was obtained from clemson spinless and ginger intercropping system followed by NH47-4 and ginger intercropping system.