Biology of Earias vittella and Integrated Pest Management of okra

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] crop is attacked by more than 30 species of insect pests. Sucking insect pests suck cell sap from tender leaves, while shoot and fruit borer, E. vittella larvae bore the growing shoots during early vegetative growth stage and during reproductive stage it diverts to floral buds and fruits. Pesticides are generally applied frequently to harvest healthy pods. Moreover, use of chemical pesticides has adverse consequences such as development of resistance, resurgence, outbreak of secondary pests, toxicity to non-target fauna disturbance in the natural balance between pests and natural enemies population and environmental pollution. The widespread development of these pest problems is one of the most serious indictments of our present day pest control technology. In view of the above facts, its visualized a need to develop eco-friendly approaches i.e., Integrated Pest Management programme, wherein all available practicable, economical and compatible techniques of pest control are implemented systemically in a single unified programme that cause minimum or no adverse effect on environment including non-target fauna and flora.