Root-knot Nematode Infections in Okra in the Middle Belt of Ghana

Abstract

A survey study was conducted in six major okra growing Districts of Ghana between August and December 2014. It was to assess the prevalence, incidence, and severity of root-knot disease in okra incited by root-knot nematodes. Fifty-four sole okra fields were purposively selected from 18 localities for the study. On an acre okra farm, 25 representative plants were sampled in an N-shaped pattern and assessed for incidence and degree of knotting following a rating scale of 0 to 10. Seventy-six percent of the okra fields assessed were found to be positive for root-knot nematodes infection. Seventy-eight, 67, 67, 89, 100, and 56% root-knot nematodes infection prevalence were recorded in the Kintampo North, Atebubu Amantin, Wenchi, Ejura Sekyedumase, Offinso North, and Atwima Nwabiagya Districts, respectively. The highest infection incidence (95%) was recorded at Sentiatia in the Offinso North District while the lowest (22%), at Amponsakrom in the Wenchi District. Galling indices ranged between 5 and 8 across the Districts. The root-knot nematodes infestation menace in okra was common across the study area. Sustainable management strategies must be designed by crop protectionists and disseminated among okra farmers against the pest to boost okra production in Ghana and beyond.