A REVIEW ON ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF MAJOR SUCKING PESTS IN OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L. MOENCH)

Abstract

Abstract;In India, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is an essential vegetable crop that makes a substantial contribution to the export-oriented economy of the nation. However, a number of sucking pests, including mites, aphids, leafhoppers, and whiteflies, have a significant impact on its yield. During the Kharif 2024 season in Tamil Nadu, this analysis examines the seasonal incidence, population dynamics, and relationship between meteorological conditions and the main sucking pests and their natural antagonists (coccinellids)..Field studies revealed that aphids, leafhoppers, and whiteflies were prevalent throughout the cropping cycle, with peak infestations observed in the 35^th, 44^th, and 37^th Meteorological Weeks (MW), respectively. Coccinellid populations, acting as natural predators, peaked in the 41^st MW. Aphid populations were shown to be negatively correlated with rainfall, humidity, and lowest temperature and favourably correlated with maximum temperature, according to correlation analysis. Leafhoppers showed a significant improvement in association with morning relative humidity and maximum temperature, but whitefly populations showed positive correlations with rainfall, maximum temperature, and humidity. The most effective chemical insecticide among management choices was Flonicamid 50 WG, which was followed by Diafenthiuron 50 WP and Dinotefuran 20 SG. In contrast, among biorationals, ginger garlic-green chilli extract outperformed Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE). In order to maintain sustainable okra production, this research highlights the need of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques that take climate considerations and environmentally friendly control approaches into account