2025 Vol-5 Issue-2 | EVALUATION OF INSECT INFESTATION ON OKRA VARIETIES GROWN WITH DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Research was carried out at the University of Abuja Teaching and Research Farm toevaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizer on the infestation and management ofinsects on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). Three treatments were used which includePoultry manure, NPK 20-10-10 and Water. The experimental layout was laid in aRandomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Three varieties ofAbelmoschus esculentus L. were used namely; Non-Hybrid okra, Spineless Gumbo and aLocal variety. The parameters measured include plant height, leaf area, number of leaves,number of pods per plant, weight and length at Harvest. Insects were also collected usingthe Pitfall trap and handpicking. All insect collected were identified. Data were subjected toAnalysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SPSS Version 29 Software. The results showed thatthere was no significant difference recorded among the okra varieties. The poultry manurerecorded the highest number in plant height (40.60 cm), number of leaves (10.50) and yield(209.73g), weight and length of harvest (12.29). There was no significant difference atp<0.05 at 3WAS, 4WAS, 5WAS and 6WAS among the varieties, but there was significantdifference in 4WAS and 5WAS in Non-hybrid okra in plant height, 6WAS in its Leaf areaand there was significant difference p<0.05 in 4WAS and 5WAS in the number of leaves.There was also significant difference recorded in some weeks of the other two varieties intheir plant height, leaf area and number of leaves. In addition, the Poultry manure had greateffects in controlling insect pests associated with Abelmoschus esculentus L. and also playsa vital role in increasing yield.