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The Management of the Flea Beetle. (Podagrica uniformis) on the
Okro [Abelmoschus esculentus [L] Moench] using fresh extract of
the Devil Bean [Crotalaria retusa L.]
Wie-Addo Kow
Agyapanyin1*, Botchey Mary2, Mensah. A. Ben.
2 and Owusu-Ansah, Ernest3
1Centre
For Continuing Education,
University
Of Cape Coast,Cape Coast, Ghana.
2Department
Of Entomology And Wildlife, University Of Cape Coast,Cape Coast,
Ghana.
3,
Department of Chemistry,
University
Of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Abstract:
The potential of the devil bean, Crotalaria retusa L. for the
control of the flea beetle, Podagrica uniformis
[Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae] on the Okro plant, Abelmoschus
esculentus [L] Moench was investigated. The investigation involved
both laboratory and field studies using crude aqueous extracts of
C. retusa. The flea beetles were given the option to select and
eat either treated or untreated okro leaves with the crude extract in
a choice and no-choice situations. The field studies involved the
application of the crude extract of C. retusa onto a
field of okro plants.
Laboratory studies revealed that C. retusa had
antifeedant properties as a result the beetles preferred to eat
significantly more of the okro leaves not treated with the crude
extract [63.9+10.3%] than the treated okro leaves [5.5+24%],
[t = 5.93; P<0.5].
In the field the crude aqueous extract of C. retusa
significantly reduced the numbers of P. uniformis on
the okro plants. Thus decreasing the damage caused to the leaves.
[Crude extract: day 4 [053+0.34]. day 6 [1.07=0.42] and day 8
[1.3+ 0.50]. Water: day 4[2.20+ 0.48] day 6 [2.60+0.62]
and day 8 [4.27+1.52].
Key words.
Podagrica
uniformis, Abelmoschus esculentus,
Crotalaria retusa, antifeedant
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