ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF CARBOFURAN RATES AND OKRA VARIETIES ON THE INCIDENCE OF Podagrica uniformis, JAC. (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE)

Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus L. (Syn. Hibiscus esculentus) is an important vegetable crop cultivated mainly for its immature edible green fruits that are known for their high levels of vitamins A, C and some minerals. Unfortunately insect pests have been a major setback for the commercial production of Okra in many countries in Africa. Amongst the insect pests that cause economic damage on Okra plants, the flea beetle, Podagrica uniformis has been recorded as the most serious pest in the recent time. In the present study, the impact of carbofuran 3G rates (0.0, 0.75, 1.5, and 2.25 kg a.i. ha-1 ) and Okra varieties (Tae-38, NHae-47 and cv ‘Awgu early’) in the management of P. uniformis was assessed during the 2009/10 farming seasons in Nigeria. The results indicated that the incidences of P. uniformis were significantly affected by the carbofuran rates and Okra varieties. Carbofuran at 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 significantly (P