Effect of <i>Meloidogyne incognita</i> on the growth and yield of okra (<i>Abelmoschus esculentus</i> L.) in JOS North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Meloidogyne incognita, commonly known as root-knot nematode, is a microscopic pest that inflicts substantial damage to various crops, including okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). Understanding the impact of M. incognita on the growth and yield of okra is crucial for devising effective management strategies against the pest. This research work was conducted to determine the effect of M. incognita on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.). The experimental design used was Complete Randomised Design comprising of four treatments; control (I0), Inoculum (I10), Inoculum (I20), and Inoculum (I30). Data were collected on the number of galls, plant height, number of branches, number of flowers, and yield of okra. The data was analyzed using ANOVA with the aid of Mini-Tab 17 statistical package and where significance was declared on the result, Duncan Multiple Range Test was used to separate the means. The result shows that no significant difference in inoculum level was recorded on plant height, number of branches, and number of flowers, However, a significant difference was recorded on number of galls, and yield with I10 significantly gave the highest (P ≤ 0.01) number of galls of (6.50) followed by I20 with (6.25) while I0 recorded no galls. Similarly, I0 significantly (P ≤ 0.05) recorded the highest yield of (okra) 1314.64 kg ha–1 followed by I20 with 538.16 kg ha-1. From this study, it can be concluded that larger variations in growth and yield variables of okra were found in response to M. incognita infection. Based on the result of the study, it is recommended that proactive and integrated management approaches are essential to sustainably address this nematode infestation and ensure the continued success of okra cultivation in affected regions.