Evaluation of soursop (Annona muricata L) leaf extract on the control of fleabeetles (Podagrica spp.) and yield of okra (Abelsmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

The study was carried out to find the effect of different concentrations of Soursop (Annona muricata L) leaf extract on control of Podagrica spp. and  yield of okra plant (Abelnusclus esculentus (L. Moench.), at the Teaching and Research Farm at Imo State University, Owerri. The experiment was laid out in a randomized completely block design (RCBD) with five treatment levels and four replications. The treatment levels were 0% control(T1), diluted ethanol(T2), 25%concentration(T3), 50%concentration(T4) and 75%concentration(T5) leaf extracts of Annona muricata. Application of these treatments were done weekly and data were collected on number of Podagrica spp., number of damaged leaves, number of infested plants. Results indicate that the application of 75% leaf extract effectively reduced the number of (0.5) Podagrica spp. at maturity stage which was significantly different (p<0.05) from control (9.5). Higher Yield, (248.59kg/ha), mean number of fruits (35.75) and mean fresh weight (43.732g) were significantly recorded from higher dose (75%) of leaf extract of Annona muricata. Number of damaged leaves, number of infected plants were reduced  significantly by all the treatments compare to control. The result showed that Annona muricata Leaf extract possess insecticidal potential in controlling this pest hence could be use as alternative to synthetic insecticide because it is environmentally friendly and cost effective Keywords: Annona muricata, Podagrica spp., Okra, Leaf extracts and yield&nbsp