Effect of Weeding Frequency for the Control of Flea Beetle (Podagrica spp) on the Production and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Zaria, Kaduna State

Abstract

Field trials were carried out at Samaru, Zaria in the 2022 and 2023 cropping seasons to study the effect of weeding frequencies for the management of flea beetles (Podagrica spp.) on the production and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times was used to evaluate the four weeding frequencies: no weeding, one weeding, two weeding, three weeding, and four weeding. Data were collected on the number of beetle populations, the number of flowers produced, number of damaged fruits, number of leaves damaged and the weight of the fruits. The results of the present findings demonstrated that, in comparison to other weeding frequency, fruit yield were higher in plots that were weeded four times, while the populations of flea beetles (Podagrica spp.), number of flowers and leaves damaged were significantly (P<0.05) higher in one, two and four weeding compared with no and three weeding frequencies. Fruit damaged weight was considerably (P≤0.05) decreased in two and three weeding. Thus, as part of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to optimize flea beetle control, this study highlighted the significance of two and three weeding frequencies