Effect of Number of Sprays, Time of Application on Natural Enemies and Okra Crop Duration

Abstract

The present study on irrational use of pesticides in okra crop was carried at Tando Jam, District Hyderabad during spring season, 2009. The four different farms v/z Muhammad Ismail Sehto, Noor Muhammad Sehto (Village Hakim Ali Khatian), Abdul Karim Khaskheli (Village Moosa Khatian) and Ghulam Serwar Sheikh (Village Shaman Ali Sheikh) were surveyed. The okra crop was sown on ridge and drill method under natural conditions. All the practices were followed by the farmers, from sowing to harvesting. The farmers were interviewed and data was collected on pesticides application, dose and time of usage by farmer. The insect pests’ infestation, occurrence of natural enemies, production and crop life duration were studied. The results regarding irrational use of pesticides in okra crop reveals that the farmers are applying pesticide on their own, without consulting/suggestions of Agriculture Experts. The farmers applied pesticide in single and in mixture with micronutrients and repeat on weakly basis, but no pest populations observed under control while the populations of natural enemies were found decreased. The yield of okra crop was also not improved due to huge application of pesticides. The crop comes in stress, pollination of flower affected and crop life reduced. The farmers are advised for proper pest scouting before any pesticide spray. If pests found at ETL then selected pesticide may be applies to control the target pests. The rational use of pesticide reduces cost-benefit ratio, increase activities of natural enemies, yield and crop life duration under natural condition (Agro-ecosystem).

Keywords: Spray Number, Application Time, Natural Enemies and Okra.