Effect of weeding regime on pest infestation, growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L, moench) in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to evaluate effect of weeding regimes on pest infestation, growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). The experiment was conducted at the Kogi State University Students’ Research and Demonstration Farm Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria, during 2016 cropping season. The treatment investigated are: i) No weeding, ii) hoe weeding every two weeks, iii) hoe weeding every three weeks, and iv) hoe weeding every four weeks, apportioned to a Random Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five (5) replications. Data were collected on crop growth and yield in addition to pest infestations. Final plant height (8 WAS), leaf number (6 WAS and 8 WAS), leaf area (6 WAS and 8 WAS), crop yield and pest infestation responded significant to weeding regime. Generally, unfavourable conditions created by weed infestation led to observed reduction in crop growth and yield, while encouraging pest incidence. These effects were more pronounced with delayed weeding, where delaying weeding led to reduction in crop growth, yield and yield characters, thus should be avoided in okra production. Weeding every 2 weeks significantly reduced the number of pests, which progressively increased with delay in weeding with the control giving the highest number of pests; as presence of weeds offered the various insect pests habitat as well as protection. The treatment also gave the best crop performance regarding most growth and yield characters, thus recommended.