EXAMINATION OF PHYTO-PARASITIC NEMATODE PESTS ASSOCIATED WITH OKRA PLANT IN IMRINGI, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Okra is critical as a viable resource to improve food security, enhance rural economy and ameliorate the livelihood of rural farmers. Okra farming, if sufficiently done and the crop free from soil biotic pathogens could mean economic diversification to the society. This study carried out a parasitological analysis of soil and roots to identify, determine prevalence and diversity of phyto-parasitic nematode pests associated with okra. Sampling was done from three randomly selected okra monoculture farms. Soil was collected using a soil auger and the roots samples removed using a kitchen knife. Nematode extraction was done using the modified Barman’s technique and pictorial key was used for nematode identification to genus level. The result revealed nematode incidence of 30.6% with a total assemblage of 91 nematodes from 6 genera occurring within the root region. Nevertheless, nematode abundance in okra roots was 16, occurring from two genera, Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus species. The most prevalent species observed in this study was Meloidogyne, Rotylenchus species showed a negligible number. The study established that plant feeding nematodes, particularly Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus species are typical pests associated with okra production in the study area. The study further submits that adequate management technique for phyto-parasitic nematodes could improve food security and enhance the livelihood of rural farmers.