COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT INTEGRATED PEST

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AGAINST MAJOR PEST IN OKRA

(Abelmoschus esculentus)

JHOMELYN D. GABIANA

TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF

ENTOMOLOGY, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, CENTRAL MINDANAO
UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE DEGREE

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE

Crop Protection: Entomology

DECEMBER 2024
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INTRODUCTION

Okra, scientifically named as Abelmoschus esculantes, belonging to

the family Malvaceae, is commonly known as lady’s finger. It has tiny soft
hairy structures all over its fruits, stem, and leaves. The leaves are
polymorphous with hairy surfaces on both upper and lower sides, and the
petioles are around 15 centimeters (cm) long. On top of that, flowers can be
easily recognized due to its slight yellowish color with a crimson center. And
the edible portion of okra, or its capsule, is around 15 to 20 cm long, and has
a pentagonal, pyramidal-oblong, and hispid look (Islam, 2019).

Just like any other fruits and vegetables, it also presents certain
problems and challenges. This includes susceptibility to diseases caused by
fungi and nematodes, and vulnerability to insect pests; especially if not
managed properly, which needs to be addressed. Insect pests feed on okra
leaves causing severe leaf curling, serious damage to pods, resulting in an
unsightly, bumpy surface that diminishes market value, and bores into the
shoots, leading to drooping and dying growing points, and later invades the
fruits. The extent of damage caused by these pests can severely compromise
crop productivity, and drastically reducing yield quality and quantity, posing a
significant challenge for okra cultivation (NAIP, 2024).

Due to the damage inflicted by these insect pests, farmers

predominantly relied on synthetic insecticides, which were commonly
advertised across various platforms, unaware of its potential adverse effects.
But as time passes by, appropriate and effective methods to manage farms
without compromising environmental health is discovered. Integrated pest
management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that uses a combination
of multiple strategies in controlling insect pest populations while minimizing
risk to the ecosystem. This includes various approaches that are grouped in
following categories, such as biological control, cultural control, mechanical
control, and chemical control. Biological control is the use of specific living
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organisms such as predators, parasites, pathogens and competitors which

serve as natural enemies to control pests. Cultural controls use techniques
such as crop rotation, intercropping and irrigation, meanwhile, mechanical
control uses machinery and traps. Also, chemical control is only used as a last
resort, especially when insect pests are uncontrollable and is way beyond the
economic threshold level. On top of that, IPM is cost-effective, harmless to our
health, environmentally friendly, effective in all seasons, easy to use and
easily available (BYJUS, 2018).

Objectives of the study

This study will be undertaken to assess the effects of the different integrated
pest management strategies against major pest in okra.

Specifically, the study will be conducted with the following objectives:

1. To compare the effects of different integrated pest management (IPM)

strategies on okra;

2. To determine which IPM is more effective in controlling pest populations of

major pest in okra;

3. To evaluate the impact of IPM strategies on okra yield and quality

Time and Place of the Study

This study is only effective throughout the school year of 2024-2025,

from first semester to second semester. The research will be conducted at
Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon, Philippines.
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REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Human body requires necessary source of nutrients to work and

function at its best, which includes eating a balanced diet of grains, protein-
rich foods and vegetables. Good example of this is okra, which is a globally
cultivated food crop and is widely recognized for its palatability. Studies
believed that the cultivation of okra started 12th century ago and is cultivated
by the Egyptians, and thereafter spread throughout the Middle East and North
Africa (Elkhalifa et al., 2021a).

According to Geme et al. (2015), okra is an exceptionally versatile crop,

noted for the diverse applications of its various parts, including fresh leaves,
buds, flowers, pods, stems, and seeds. The immature fruits, typically
consumed as vegetables, can be utilized in a wide array of culinary
preparations. These fruits can be used fresh, dried, fried, even in boiled forms,
thereby contributing both nutritional benefits and diverse flavors to an
extensive range of dishes.

Additionally, it is also abundant with several carbohydrates, minerals,

proteins, fiber, and bioactive components like polysaccharides, flavonoids,
and vitamins A and C, which plays a vital role in human diet and health.
Another noteworthy finding of Elkhalifa et al. (2021b) reported that okra pods
can be used against dysentery, gonorrhea, and urinary complications,
whereas the seeds possess anticancer and fungicidal properties. Furthermore,
okra acts as an appetite booster, astringent, aphrodisiac, and has been
recognized for its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties
in medical applications.
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Integrated Pest Management Strategies

Biological Control

Biological control involves using natural enemies to manage pest

populations, offering environmentally friendly alternative to chemical
pesticides. Research has shown that biological control agents, such as
predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, can effectively reduce pest populations
and minimize environmental impact (Tsegaye, 2018). There are three main
types of biological control: first is the classical biological control, where
introducing of natural enemies to a new area takes place; second is inductive
biological control, where there is a release of large numbers of natural
enemies for quick control; and conservation biological control, where
encouraging existing natural enemies in the environment is the focus
(Anonymous, 2017). Despite its potential, the adoption of biological control
faces challenges, including regulatory barriers and it might attack non-target
species especially when it is introduced without a thorough understanding
(Barratt, 2017a).

Cultural Control

Cultural control involves the modification of standard horticultural and

agricultural practices to reduce pest damage, which includes prevention,
avoidance, monitoring, and evaluation (Cultural Control of Pest, n.d.).
Techniques such as crop rotation breaks the life cycle of pests by alternating
host crops. Sanitation, such as removing crop residues and weeds, eliminate
pest habitats and food sources and the use of resistant varieties help disrupt
pest life cycles and reduce their populations (Barratt, 2017b). As stated by
Wisconsin Vegetable Entomology (n.d.), these methods are not only effective
but also environmentally friendly, making them a preferred choice in
sustainable agriculture. However, the success of cultural control depends on
proper implementation and understanding of pest ecology.
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Physical Control

According to Thakur (2021), physical control is a non-chemical

approach as it involves using physical methods to manage pest populations,
such as barriers, traps, and mechanical removal. These methods are often
used in combination with other pest management strategies to reduce pest
damage effectively. Physical control methods are grouped under two main
classes, passive and active. The active class is further subdivided into
mechanical, thermal and electromagnetic techniques, meanwhile, passive
methods do not require additional input after establishment to be effective
over a given period. However, efficacy of physical control depends on
continued input as it needs regular maintenance, and requires significant
manual effort, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Chemical Control

Chemical control involves using chemical pesticides to manage pest

populations. These pesticides can be classified based on their target pests,
such as insecticides for insects, herbicides for weeds, fungicides for fungi,
and rodenticides for rodents (IPM Tactic, 2022). But it is often used as part of
an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, but it is typically considered a
last resort due to potential environmental and health risks (Tababa, 2023).

Major Insect Pest of Okra

Shoot and fruit borer (Earias vittella)

The E. Vittella moth measure around 2.5 cm across and contain a

small light longitudinal green stripe in the center of the forewing. The full-
grown dull-green caterpillars are 2 cm long, with tiny stiff hairs and a pattern
of longitudinal black dots on their bodies. The female moth lays 200-400 eggs
 6

at night on flower buds and tender okra leaves. The eggs hatch after 3–4 days.
The little brown caterpillar (invasive life stage) bores into the top delicate
shoots and tunnels downwards along the main axis, causing the shoots to
wither, droop, and destroy the growth points. Later, they bore into the fruits
and feed within, rendering the affected fruits unfit for consumption. They
pupate either on the plants or outside the infested fruit or on the ground in a
boat shaped cocoon among the fallen leaves and moths emerge within 8-14
days. The entire life cycle is completed in 17-29 days (Kedar, 2014).

Leaf roller (Sylepta derogata)

Adult leaf roller is yellowish-white, with black and brown spots on the
head and the thorax. Wingspan measures about 28-40 mm and have a series
of dark brown wavy lines on the wings. The female moth lay 200-300 eggs
singly or in groups on the underside of the leaves. At first, the larvae are in
group where they feed on the undersides, and later staying alone inside
folded leaves (Kedar, 2014b). The caterpillars roll the leaves, remaining inside
the tunnel they create, and eating the leaves at the edges and between the
main veins. This causes curling, drooping, and defoliation of leaves. From the
second molt they have two dark spots just behind the head on the first
segment of the thorax. They pupate either on the plant, inside the rolled
leaves or among the plant debris in the soil. After the pupal stage, the adults
emerge (Bele Leaf Roller, 2020).

Blister beetle (Mylabris pustulatus)

The adult is about 2.0-2.5 cm in length, in colors red or reddish orange,

and black alternating bands on the forewing (elytra). Adult female lays 100-
1000 eggs depending on the food quality they ingest. The eggs are usually
laid in the soil (Kedar, 2014c). Even though that the early instar grubs are a
potential predator of soil-dwelling insects and does not cause any damage to
the crop, the adult form destroys the crop. It feeds on the plants’ reproductive
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parts such as the petals, anthers, stigma, and ovary, which causes the
inflorescence to dry up and become barren. It also eats on buds and tender
leaves that can diversely affect yield (TNAU Agritech Portal, 2024).

Okra Leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula ishida)

Adult leafhoppers are wedge-shaped, about 2 mm long, pale green,

and have a black dot on the posterior half of each forewing. The eggs are
pear-shaped, elongated, and yellowish-white in color, are laid on the leaves. A
single female lays 15-30 eggs, which hatch in 4–10 days. The nymphal phase
lasts 7-21 days, and the nymphs are yellowish to pale green in appearance
(Chandel 2013). The destructive stage is represented by both nymphs and
adults, as they suck the cell sap from the leaves. The leaves curl upward
along the margins, have a burnt appearance that extends throughout the
entire leaf surface, and the affected plants resulted into stunted growth (Kedra,
2014d).

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is considered one of the most destructive

insect pests. B. tabaci adults are minute insects, usually 1 to 3 mm in length,
feeds and oviposit in large quantities on the underside of leaves. Damages
includes nymphs sucking the sap from the leaves which lowers plant vitality.
They also excete honeydew which decreases the rate of photosynthesis in
plants. Another damage done by this pest are yellowing, curling, and sooty
mold develops on affected leaves. Not only that, but they are able to transmit
plant pathogenic viruses such as begomoviruses, carlaviruses, criniviruses,
ipomoviruses, and torradoviruses (Sani, 2020; TNAU Agritech Portal, 2016).
 8

Aphids (Aphis gossypii)

Aphis gossypii is a member of the Aphididae family known for its color
variety, and a vector of diseases. The females might be winged or wingless.
They are 1.2 –1.8 mm long, and 0.6 mm wide across the greatest diameter of
the abdomen. Its body is pear-shaped and exhibits great variation in color,
from pale yellow to very dark green or black (Edde, 2021). Both nymphs and
adult aphids cause damage by feeding on the plant's sap. When infestations
are severe, the leaves may curl, growth can be stunted, and young plants
may gradually dry out and die. Furthermore, the honeydew excreted by
aphids can lead to the development of black sooty mold on the leaves. To
take note, dry conditions typically accelerate the increase in aphid populations,
making the plants even more vulnerable. Also, younger plants tend to be more
susceptible to these infestations compared to those older, more established
ones (Kedra, 2014e).

Mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis)

Mealybug has the ability to multiply rapidly, and dispersal assisted by

wind, animals or machinery passing through the crop will spread in a short
period of time. Mature female, which measures 2 to 5 mm in length and 2 to 4
mm in width, is covered with a powdery white wax secretion. Males go
through first- and second-instar nymphal, prepupal, pupal, and adult stages of
development, whereas females go through first-instar nymph (crawler),
second-, and third-instar nymphs, and the adult. Both nymphs and adults
consume sap from leaves, flower buds, petioles, twigs, fruits, and even the
plant's stem, leaving it weak, feeble, and dehydrated. In severe cases, mold
develops on honeydew would lower the photosynthetic potential of plants. And
the marketability of fruits afflicted with mealy bugs will be affected (Watson,
2022).
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Red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae)

The red spider mite has an oval form and is around 1/50 inch long. It
can be brown or orange-red, but the most common colors are green,
greenish-yellow, or nearly translucent. The female has an oval body with 12
pairs of dorsal setae and measures around 0.4 mm in length. The first juvenile
stage, known as the larva, has three pairs of legs after emerging from the egg.
Both the adult and the subsequent nymphal stages have four pairs of legs
(Anonymous, 2024). It is during the warm and dry seasons when mite
infestation is most noticeable. Adults and nymphs consume cell sap, and
leaves develop white, gray spots. The impacted leaves become dark, get
mottled, and eventually fall. In cases of severe infection, mite webbing covers
the plant's upper canopy. The distinctive mottling symptom that appears on
the upper surface of the leaf allows one to identify mite-infested plants from a
distance (Kedra, 2014f).

Cotton Stainer (Dysdercus koenigii)

The adult bug has ventral white stripes on its abdomen and is red and
black in color. The eggs are deposited in the soil in loose clumps. The bug's
fecundity ranges from 100 to 130. 4–7 days is the egg period. To reach
adulthood, the nymph must go through six instars. The duration of the
nymphal phase is 26–89 days and during cold months, they hibernate. The
bugs are gregarious in habit. Both nymphs and adults suck leaf and fruit sap
of the plant, and stain the lint. With this, the plants become weak and stunted,
and the leaves and fruits may curl up (Anonymous, 2024).
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MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study Site

This study will be conducted at Central Mindanao University (CMU),

specifically within the Agricultural Experimental Center (AEC). A one-hectare
plot within the AEC will be used as the experimental site for this research. The
experimental plot has good irrigation systems which provides a steady water
supply. It also has efficient drainage to manage excess water, creating ideal
growing conditions for the okra plants. Musuan, a place known for its unique
climate, is situated at 124.9727096 longitude and 7.7900995 latitude,
experiencing an annual high temperature of approximately 28.22ºC (82.8ºF)
and an annual low of around 18.91ºC (66.04ºF). The region experiences an
average annual rainfall of 183.62mm (7.23in) and maintains a relatively high
humidity level of 89.58%. These factors contribute to its distinct weather
patterns, with June being the wettest month, providing ample rainfall, and
February as the driest month, offering minimal precipitation. These climatic
conditions are crucial for analyzing and interpreting the study's findings.

Figure 1. Location Map of Central Mindanao University (CMU) Agricultural

Experiment Center
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Materials

The materials used for the conduct of the study are okra seeds, shovel,
rake, bolo, measuring tape, gardening gloves for land preparation; rope,
support stakes or trellises, mulching materials, net, and watering can for
planting and maintenance; insect net, containers such as jars or plasticware,
plastic cup and screen cover, light source and white thin fabric for insect
collection; pruning shears and plastic or eco bag for harvesting; record book,
notebook, and ballpen for data recording; and lastly, cellphone camera for
documentation.

Methods

Experimental Design and Treatment

The study will be laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design
(RCDB) which is suitable for field studies where a number of five (5)
treatments is replicated four (4) times. The treatments to be tested will include
different IPM strategies, the followings are:

T1 – Earwigs (Biological Control)

T2 – Plant Trap (Cultural Control)

T3 – Mulching (Physical Control)

T4 – Neem oil (Chemical Control)

T5 – Water (Untreated Control)

Soil Sampling and Analysis

Preparing land for okra cultivation involves several essential steps to

ensure optimal growing conditions for the plants. First, the researcher will
choose a well-drained and an open area with adequate sunlight exposure, as
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okra plants thrive in full sunlight. Then, before prepping the land, ten (10)
random soil samples will be collected in a zigzag manner from the chosen
experiment area. These samples will be air dried and reduce to fine particles.
To adjust and balance the soil pH, to identify specific nutrient needs, and to
determine the recommended amount of fertilizer, one (1) kilogram (kg) of
pulverized soil sample will be analyzed at the Soil and Plant Analysis
Laboratory (SPAL) of the Department of Soil Science, Central Mindanao
University.

Land Preparation

Before planting, the experimental area will be plowed and harrowed to

level, smooth out the surface of the soil, break up clumps and control weed
growth. Afterwards, the soil will be tilled to a depth of 30 centimeters (cm) to
enhance root penetration and improve aeration. Organic matter, including
compost and well-rotted manure is incorporated into the soil to boost fertility
and improve soil structure. Finally, raised beds will be constructed to further
enhance drainage. These preparations established a conducive environment
for okra cultivation, promoting healthy growth and maximizing yield potential.
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Lay-outing

A strategic layout is designed to ensure optimal growth and yield by

incorporating appropriate spacing requirements.

T1R1 T2R2 2.5m T5R3 T4R4

1m

1m 2.5 m

T3R1 T1R2 T2R3 T5R4

T4R1 T3R2 T1R3 T2R4 20.5 m

T5R1 T4R2 T3R3 T1R4

T2R1 T5R2 T4R3 T3R4

17 m

Figure 2. Field Layout of the Study, “Comparative Effects of Different

Integrated Pest Management Strategies Against Major Pest in Okra
(Abelmoschus esculentus)”
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Seedling Preparation

Preparing okra seedlings requires careful attention to detail in able to

ensure successful germination and growth. In each seed trays, about 1 cm
deep will be planted and will be covered lightly with soil that drains well. The
trays will be watered gently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Subsequently, seed trays are kept in a location with adequate sunlight. Once
the seeds germinate, typically within 7-14 days, they will be moved outside for
a few hours each day over a week to help them get used to the outdoor
conditions. This way, the seedlings will be strong and will be ready to be
transplanted into the field.

Fertilizer Application

Applying fertilizer requires careful planning and precise timing to

ensure optimal growth for okra. Fertilization application such as nutrients like
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, will be based on soil test results.
Complete fertilizer 14-14-14, will be mixed lightly into the soil. During the
growing season, side-dressing with additional nitrogen fertilizer, such as urea
(46-0-0), will be done approximately 3-4 weeks after planting and again at 6-8
weeks. The fertilizer will be applied 2-3 inches away from the base of the
plants, followed by thorough watering.

Transplanting and Replanting

Transplanting will be done three weeks after germination and the seeds
will be sown into the soil at a depth of 2.5 cm, with adequate seed space. This
ensures proper spacing for plant growth and air circulation, which are crucial
for healthy development. Additionally, support structures such as stakes or
trellises will be used to keep the plants upright. This helps in preventing
diseases and allows for easier access during maintenance and harvest.
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Proper care and attention during the planting stage will ensure a healthy
foundation for a productive okra crop.

Crop care maintenance

Crop care maintenance is essential for ensuring healthy plant growth

and maximizing yield. In order to maintain consistent soil moisture levels,
particularly during dry periods, watering is crucial. It should be early in the
morning or if not possible, late in the afternoon, to ensure that the plants have
time to evaporate before nightfall.

Thereafter, as part of the study, different IPM treatments will be applied.

These strategies will include mulching to prevent pest life cycle, use of trap
crops to lure pests away from okra plants, the introduction of natural predators
to control pest populations, and application of organic pesticide.

Subsequently, regular monitoring and prompt removal of infected or

damaged plant parts will be implemented to prevent the spread of diseases.
These maintenance practices will ensure that crops remain healthy and
productive throughout the growing season.

Sampling Procedure

Sampling procedures will be carried out to efficiently gather insects

found in the air, on the ground, and on plants. This will involve techniques
such as handpicking, netting, pitfall traps, and light traps.

Handpicking. Handpicking will be employed for collecting arthropods

that can be safely handled, ensuring they do not bite or sting, to avoid injuries.
This involves picking beneficial insects by hand, starting from the top part of
the plant, then the upper and underside of the leaves, up to the bottom part,
or vice versa. After this, the collected specimen will be gathered in a plastic
container with small holes in it, to ensure that the insects can still breath and
is safe at the mean time.
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Netting. This method involves the use of net which is suitable for flying
and aquatic beneficial insects, and insects that is out of reach. A maximum of
twenty sweeps will be performed around the area and the collected species
will be placed in its respective containers.

Pitfall traps. Five pitfall traps will be strategically positioned around the
plot and in areas where ground-dwelling beneficial insects are likely to be
found. Each trap will consist of a plastic cup with the rim protruding above the
soil surface. A screen cover will be placed over the cup’s opening to allow
arthropods to enter. Any arthropods that fall into the trap will be collected and
placed in its respective containers.

Light traps. Light traps will be employed to attract insects that are
drawn to light. This trap will be set up using a light bulb or any other light
source, along with a white thin fabric that serves as the landing area for the
insects. Once the insects land on the fabric, they will be carefully selected and
picked by hand, and then placed in its respective containers.

Preservation of Voucher Specimen

The collected specimens will be placed in vials containing 70% ethanol

alcohol for preservation. Hard-bodied insects will be directly pinned, while
smaller insects will be double-mounted for better examination. The prepared
samples will be carefully transported to the Entomology Department at the
College of Agriculture, Central Mindanao University. Researcher and experts
will identify and determine the specimens collected.

Harvesting

Okra will be ready for harvest about 60 to 70 days after planting,

especially when the pods are bright green and measures 2 to 3 inches in
length. The harvest will be conducted manually on a weekly basis, either by
handpicking the pods or using pruning shears. Additionally, careful handling is
essential to avoid damaging the pods, ensuring they remain in good condition.
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Data to be Gathered

The following data will be gathered during the conduct of the study:

1. Occurrence of Major Insect Pest

The number of major insect pest will be recorded per treatment.
This will be monitored at seedling, vegetative and maturity stage of
okra.

2. Population Count of Shoot and Fruit Borer

The presence of shoot and fruit borer will be counted through
visual sampling, handpicking, netting, pitfall traps and light traps as the
sampling technique. It will be conducted from the vegetative until the
reproductive stage of okra, and will be recorded per plot.

3. Population Count of Leaf Roller

The presence of leaf roller will be counted through visual
sampling, handpicking, netting, pitfall traps and light traps as the
sampling technique. It will be conducted from the vegetative until the
reproductive stage of okra, and will be recorded per plot.

4. Population Count of Bristle Beetle

The presence of bristle beetle will be counted through visual
sampling, handpicking, netting, pitfall traps and light traps as the
sampling technique. It will be conducted from the vegetative until the
reproductive stage of okra, and will be recorded per plot.

5. Population Count of Leafhopper

The presence of leafhopper will be counted through visual
sampling, handpicking, netting, pitfall traps and light traps as the
sampling technique. It will be conducted from the vegetative until the
reproductive stage of okra, and will be recorded per plot.
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6. Population Count of Whitefly

The presence of leaf roller will be counted through visual
sampling, handpicking, netting, pitfall traps and light traps as the
sampling technique. It will be conducted from the vegetative until the
reproductive stage of okra, and will be recorded per plot.

7. Population Count of Aphids

The presence of aphids will be counted through visual sampling,
handpicking, netting, pitfall traps and light traps as the sampling
technique. It will be conducted from the vegetative until the
reproductive stage of okra, and will be recorded per plot.

8. Population Count of Mealybug

The presence of mealybug will be counted through visual
sampling, handpicking, netting, pitfall traps and light traps as the
sampling technique. It will be conducted from the vegetative until the
reproductive stage of okra, and will be recorded per plot.

9. Population Count of Red Spider Mite

The presence of red spider mite will be counted through visual
sampling, handpicking, netting, pitfall traps and light traps as the
sampling technique. It will be conducted from the vegetative until the
reproductive stage of okra, and will be recorded per plot.

10. Population Count of Cotton Stainer

The presence of cotton stainer will be counted through visual
sampling, handpicking, netting, pitfall traps and light traps as the
sampling technique. It will be conducted from the vegetative until the
reproductive stage of okra, and will be recorded per plot.
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11. Percent Damage caused by Shoot and Fruit borer

The damages caused by shoot and fruit borer will be gathered
through visual inspection, and will be evaluated through the use of
scale and using the percent damage formula.

% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100

Total number of plants sample

12. Percent Damage caused by Leaf Roller

The damages caused by leaf roller will be gathered through
visual inspection, and will be evaluated through the use of scale and
using the percent damage formula.

% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100

Total number of plants sample

13. Percent Damage caused by Bristle Beetle

The damages caused by bristle beetle will be gathered through
visual inspection, and will be evaluated through the use of scale and
using the percent damage formula.

% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100

Total number of plants sample

14. Percent Damage caused by Leafhopper

The damages caused by leafhopper will be gathered through
visual inspection, and will be evaluated through the use of scale and
using the percent damage formula.

% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100

Total number of plants sample

15. Percent Damage caused by Whitefly

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The damages caused by whitefly will be gathered through visual

inspection, and will be evaluated through the use of scale and using
the percent damage formula.

% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100

Total number of plants sample

16. Percent Damage caused by Aphids

The damages caused by aphids will be gathered through visual
inspection, and will be evaluated through the use of scale and using
the percent damage formula.

% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100

Total number of plants sample

17. Percent Damage caused by Mealybug

The damages caused by mealybug will be gathered through
visual inspection, and will be evaluated through the use of scale and
using the percent damage formula.

% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100

Total number of plants sample

18. Percent Damage caused by Red Spider Mite

The damages caused by red spider mite will be gathered
through visual inspection, and will be evaluated through the use of
scale and using the percent damage formula.

% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100

Total number of plants sample

19. Percent Damage caused by Cotton Stainer

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The damages caused by cotton stainer will be gathered through

visual inspection, and will be evaluated through the use of scale and
using the percent damage formula.

% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100

Total number of plants sample

20. Percent Damage of Major Insect Pest

The damages caused by major insect pest will be gathered
through visual inspection, and will be evaluated through the use of
scale and using the percent damage formula.

% Damage = Number of plants infested per plot X 100

Total number of plants sample

21. Number and Weight of (g) Marketable and Non-marketable Fruits

The number and weight of marketable and non-marketable fruits
will be evaluated, sorted, counted and weighed separately in grams per
harvesting schedule.

Statistical Analysis

The gathered data obtained will be tallied and tabulated. The tools will
be used for the accuracy in the analyses and interpretations of the findings
are the following: Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). This will be used to analyze
data for Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Treatment means will
be compared using Honestly Significant Difference (HSD).
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REFERENCES

Barratt, B. I. P., Moran, V. C., Bigler, F., & van Lenteren, J. C. (2017). The
status of biological control and recommendations for improving uptake
for the future. BioControl, 63, 155-167.

Bele (Abelmoschus) Leaf Roller (2020). Retrieved December 13, 2024, from
[Link] website:
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