Efficacy of Weeding and Biopesticide in the Control of Some Field Insect Pests of Okra

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an important vegetable crop cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions, valued for its nutritional and economic benefits as a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. However, its production is significantly threatened by insect pests, which cause serious damage and lead to reduced yields if not properly managed. Although synthetic chemical insecticides have traditionally been used for pest control, there is growing interest in exploring eco-friendly, plant-based alternatives that can effectively manage pests while minimizing environmental risks.
In an effort to identify safer, more sustainable pest control methods, this study evaluated the effectiveness of a locally available botanical—eucalyptus leaf (Eucalyptus globulus)—in controlling selected field insect pests of okra.
The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatment combinations: no botanical with single weeding, botanical with single weeding, botanical with double weeding, no botanical with double weeding, botanical with no weeding, and an untreated control (negative control). Data were collected on insect pests including Podagrica sjostedti, Podagrica uniformis, Cosmophila flava, Dysdercus superstitiosus, and Oxycarenus hyalinipennis, along with insect mortality and yield parameters.
Results from the study indicated that the application of aqueous eucalyptus leaf extract combined with double weeding was the most effective treatment, significantly reducing insect pest populations and resulting in the highest yield (462.00) compared to other treatments. All botanical treatments performed better than the untreated control, demonstrating the potential of eucalyptus leaf extract as a bio-insecticide for sustainable okra pest management.