Survey of Podagrica spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Bauchi State, Nigeria
DOI:36108/NJE/3002/02.0120
AHMED, B.I., ONU, I. and ALIYU, M.
ABSTRACT: Okra farms in Bauchi State, Nigeria were surveyed during the wet season of 1997 to 1999 (May – November) to determine the incidence, abundance and distribution of Podagrica spp. Sole-cropped okra farms belonging to peasant farmers were used for the survey. In all the places visited, farms selected for the survey were usually divided into four equal parts and from each part two okra plants were randomly selected from a square meter. Thereafter, number of Podagrica spp. on the randomly selected okra plant within the square meter were counted, collected and taken to the laboratory for further identification. Result of the survey confirmed the presence of Podagrica spp. in Bauchi State. The results also indicated that P. sjostedi was more abundant and widely distributed throughout the State than P. uniforma.