Entomofauna Variation of Three Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Varieties in Maraoua, Cameroon

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench], a vegetable cultivated globally for its culinary qualities and commercial worth, is susceptible to various insect pests in the field. Consequently, the quest for ecological strategies to manage this challenge is paramount. A study was conducted in Maroua to ascertain the effect of okra variety on the entomofauna in okra fields. The insects were captured using various methods, including mowing nets, colored traps and manual collection, during both the rainy and dry seasons. A total of 69 species across 12 orders were recorded during the rainy season, in contrast to the 44 species across 11 orders noted in the dry season. The location of Kirikou had the highest insect abundance, with 49.86% species recorded in the rainy season and 41.16% species in the dry season. This was followed by red Nino, with 31.03% species recorded in the dry season and 34.44% species in the rainy season. The Clemson spineless variety, with an abundance of 27.81% and 15.71% in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively, had the greatest effect on the associated entomofauna. Noctuidae and Vespidae were consistently the most prevalent families. The presence of auxiliary insects, such as Polistes sp. and Vespula sp., underscores the potential for managing okra pests without the utilization of chemical products under agricultural conditions in Maroua, Cameroon. This observation emphasizes the necessity for a more profound comprehension of the bioecology of the diverse populations present.