Preliminary Evaluation of the Insecticidal Potentia l of Organic Compost Extracts Against Insect Pests of Okra (Abemoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Experiment was conducted in 2009 planting season us ing extracts of Tithonia composts, Maize stover composts and Cassava peel. The extracts were applied to the foliage to control Podagrica species, Zonocerus variegatus and Bemisia tabaci on okra seedlings planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Result s showed that the organic compost liquid formulations acted as antifeedant to the test insec ts but Maize stover compost had a very good control of the insects with its efficacy ranging from 60% to 80% control. Okra plants treated with maize stover compost had significantly higher physiological and yield performance of okra plant than cassava peel, Tithonia compost and untre ated plants. This study suggests that organic composts especially maize stover compost can be use d as insecticide in organic farming system to raise okra plant.