Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a vital vegetable crop
grown in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Okra provides a
valuable source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and amino acids. Conventional
reliance on chemical fertilisers, while enhancing soil fertility, is costly and
contributes to land degradation. Additionally, global interest in biorational
pesticides (botanical and microbial) is increasing for the sustainable
management of pests. Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a rapidly growing tree from
the mahogany family (Meliaceae), and it has traditionally been used in
agriculture, the environment, and public health. Recent studies, however, have
not explored the promising impact of neem as a basal and foliar organic
fertiliser and pesticide. This study was conducted to investigate and examine
the use of neem as a basal organic fertiliser and pesticide alternative for
environmental and consumer safety. The purpose was to assess the efficacy of an
organic integrated pest management (IPM) module against nematodes and insect
pests of okra during the primary growing season of 2022. Using a randomised
complete block design with three replications, the study evaluated seven
treatments, including neem leaf paste (NLP), neem leaf extract (NLE), synthetic
fertilisers (NPK), and controls in 5×4 m plots. A total of 42 (21 samples each)
soil samples were taken from the study area, bagged, labelled, and transported
to the laboratory for physicochemical analysis. The results revealed that the
organic IPM module (NLP × NLE) significantly improved soil health parameters by
increasing organic matter content by 53% compared to the control, while
reducing the C/N ratio. The treatment also showed remarkable pest suppression,
decreasing root-knot nematode populations by 89% and maintaining beneficial
insect numbers. Neem-treated plots experienced a 40% reduction in foliar damage
from Podagrica spp., resulting in a yield increase of 296% compared to the
control. These findings demonstrate a practical application of neem in
sustainable okra cultivation, thereby offering a low-cost and environmentally
friendly solution for smallholder farmers. The result of this study presents a
practical application of neem in sustainable okra cultivation by offering
cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions for smallholder farmers. The organic
IPM module 3 is therefore recommended for improving soil fertility, reducing
soil and foliar pest pressure, and enhancing crop yield safely and sustainably.
Author(s) Details
Adams Sadick
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana.
Esther Marfo-Ahenkora
CSIR-Animal Research Institute, Post Office Box AH20, Achimota, Ghana.
Prince Martin Gyekye
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Post Office Box M32, Accra Centre, Ghana.
Judith Frimpong-Manso
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana.
Mohammed Musah
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana.
Augustine Agyekum
CSIR-Animal Research Institute, Post Office Box AH20, Achimota, Ghana.
Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v4/6273
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