‘Oyo, Ondo, Niger’ — scientists discover virus attacking okra plants

The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) says it has detected a new virus attacking okra plants across Nigeria.

In a statement on Friday, the NIHORT management said reports were received from farmers across Nigeria concerning new and uncommon virus-like symptoms on okra farms resulting in up to 70 percent loss of plants.

The management said observation by a multidisciplinary team from NIHORT on ad hoc visits to okra farms, revealed an unusual symptom in the plant consisting of leaf curl associated with outgrowths.

According to the institute, the symptoms differed from the usual leaf curl and/or vein yellowing symptoms known with virus-infected okra plants.

“This epidemic has assumed a nationwide occurrence, having been reported in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos (south- west) and Niger states,” the statement reads.

“Farmers should look out for the symptoms of the new virus disease: high population of aphids and leafhoppers (vectors); and initial expression of small pin-head enations or outgrowths on the under surface of okra leaves.

“This is followed by a warty and rough texture of leaves, with leaves curling upwards while affected plants show a twisting of the necrotic leaves becoming thick and leathery.”

The management said the institute was on the alert to curtail the outbreak in view of the devastating and negative economic impact on farmers nationwide.

“NIHORT feels it is expedient to keep farmers abreast of this development and the associated symptoms expression of this new virus attack, especially the farmers that are yet to experience the occurrence of these insect pests,” the statement added.

“Meanwhile, the palliative or interim control measure that could be adopted to contain these evasive vectors is spraying the okra farm(s) with synthetic insecticide at 20ml/15lt of water weekly under severe infestations.”