EFFECTS OF AGRICULTURAL INPUTS ON GERMINATION CAPACITY AND ROOT GALL FORMATION IN OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Agriculture in West Africa, particularly in Senegal, plays a crucial role in economic and social development, but it faces numerous challenges, including increasing pressure from pests such as root-knot nematodes. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a highly valued local vegetable, is particularly affected by these nematodes, which cause root gall formation and significantly reduce crop productivity. This study evaluates the effects of different agricultural inputs fermented solution of Calotropis procera, cactus digestate, and chemical fertilizer (NPK) on the germination potential of okra seeds and the formation of root galls caused by Meloidogyne spp. The results show that the fermented solution of Calotropis procera (T1) significantly improves seed germination and completely prevents root gall formation. The cactus digestate (T2) moderately reduces gall formation and promotes germination. In contrast, the chemical fertilizer (T3) and the untreated control (T0) show severe infestation, although plant growth is not directly compromised in the T3 treatment. These findings highlight the potential of organic and bioactive inputs to enhance crop resistance to nematodes while stimulating germination, unlike chemical fertilizers whose long-term effectiveness remains limited