A Survey of the Major Pests Affecting Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in Baghdad Province, Iraq

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct a field survey of the major insect pests infesting okra Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) in Baghdad Province, Iraq, and to identify the prevailing species, their distribution levels, and relative densities in three locations: Al-Sayyafiyah, Al-Radhwaniyah, and Abu Ghraib, during the 2025 growing season. Samples were collected manually from plants of two okra cultivars (Abeer and Petra), and three leaves at three levels (base, middle, and top) of each plant were examined to estimate insect population density within 1 cm² area. The results obtained showed that the whitefly Bemisia tabaci was the most prevalent pest on both cultivars. The highest infestation rate on the Petra cultivar was recorded in the Sayyafiyah area (28.8 insects/plant), followed by Radwaniyah (12 insects/plant) and Abu Ghraib (6.2 insects/plant). In contrast, the Abeer cultivar showed its highest infestation rate in Radwaniyah (12.5 insects/plant) and the lowest in Abu Ghraib (9.4 insects/plant). The cotton aphid Aphis gossypii was ranked second in density, with the highest abundance in Sayyafiyah (28.8 insects/plant) and the lowest in Abu Ghraib (6.2 insects/plant). Red spider mites, however, showed their highest infestation rate in Radwaniyah (8.2 individuals/plant) and were completely absent in the other locations. Leafhoppers and thrips occurred at moderate levels in the range of 0.2–2.5 insects/plant in the Abeer cultivar and 0.4–3.0 insects/plant in the Petra cultivar, whereas locust infestations were very low, not exceeding 0.36 insects/plant. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among the sites, reflecting the influence of environmental factors and microclimatic variations on pest population dynamics. The results indicated that Radwaniyah location was the most suitable site for insect proliferation in the Abeer cultivar, whereas Sayyafiyah location recorded the highest infestation in the Petra cultivar. This study highlights the importance of regular monitoring and the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) programs based on understanding the spatial and temporal distribution of key pests affecting okra under different Iraqi environmental conditions, to minimize yield losses and ensure crop sustainability.

Keywords:

Okra, whitefly, aphid, thrips, leafhopper, population dynamics, insect pests.