INFLUENCE OF PLANT DENSITY AND SPACING ON FLEA BEETLE (Podagrica uniforma Jacoby) INFESTATION AND AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)
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Abstract
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) production in Nigeria is frequently limited by flea beetle (Podagrica uniforma Jacoby) infestation, which causes foliar damage and reduces yield. Optimizing plant density is a key strategy for balancing pest pressure and crop performance. This study examined the effects of plant density and spacing on flea beetle infestation and agronomic traits of okra in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A randomized complete block design was employed with six treatments combining two spacing regimes (40 × 25 cm and 50 × 25 cm) and three planting densities (one, two, and three plants per stand). Infestation was assessed weekly, while growth and yield parameters were recorded throughout the cropping cycle. Results indicated that spacing and density did not significantly affect beetle populations or damage severity (p > 0.05). Infestation peaked at 6–7 weeks after sowing, with maximum leaf perforation at 10 weeks. However, closer spacing with higher density (40 × 25 cm × 3) significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced flowering, maturity, and yield components, producing the highest capsule, seed, and stover yields. Correlation analysis confirmed plant population as the strongest determinant of productivity, while capsule length showed weak associations with yield traits. These findings suggest that while plant density may not directly influence P. uniforma infestation, it plays a critical role in optimizing okra growth and yield. For late-season production, 40 × 25 cm spacing with three plants per stand is recommended, coupled with targeted pest management during midvegetative to flowering stages.
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