Screening of okra varieties resistance against insect pests under agro climatic conditions of Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan

Abstract

The present study was conducted to screen four okra varieties (Sabz Pari, Sada Bahar, Pusa Sawani, Arka Anamika) against bollworm, whitefly and jassid under field conditions during 2011. It was concluded that none of the tested variety had resistance against okra fruit borer. However, these varieties showed some degree of resistance against sucking insect pests. Okra variety Sada Bahar was less infested with jassid (1.30/leaf) and whitefly (5.36/leaf) compared to other tested varieties and resulted in maximum yield (1529.62 kgha^–1). The plants of Sabz Peri variety attained maximum height (113.7 cm), which was statistically at par with 110.9 cm height attained by the plants of Arka Anamika. Number of fruits pods plant^–1 was found non significantly different on all the tested okra varieties. On the basis of present findings, it was concluded that Sada Bahar variety is suitable for cultivation in Dera Ismail Khan and other parts of the country with similar environmental conditions.