Evaluation of Color Sticky Cards for Monitoring Aphid Population on Okra Crop

Abstract

Okra is the most familiar and widely known for its edible fruits. Several sucking and chewing insect species infest okra crop in the field. The field study was conducted to determine the attraction of four different colored traps to aphids in okra field. It is hoped that the information from this study will be able to help in the monitoring and management of these pests, as well as enhance integrated pest management programs in Pakistan and other countries with similar ecological conditions. The okra seeds were sown on both sides of well-prepared ridges. Red, blue, green and white colored sheets of sticky paper placed in the field with the help of bamboo stakes. The aphids were counted on sticky cards after 24 hours of their application. Aphid population appeared on okra from first week of observation and remained until last observation. Red colored attract maximum number of aphids, followed by green, white and blue. Plant vegetative and reproductive growth increased regularly with increase of crop age.