Heat loving okra has been cultivated for centuries, as far back as the thirteenth century where it was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians in the Nile basin. Today, most commercially grown okra is produced in the southeastern United States. Even with centuries of cultivation, okra is still susceptible to pests and diseases. One such disease is leaf spot on okra. What is okra leaf spot and how can okra with leaf spots be managed? Read on to learn more.
What is Okra Leaf Spot?
Spots on okra leaves may be the result of several leaf spotting organisms, among these include Alternaria, Ascochyta, and Phyllosticta hibiscina. For the most part, none of these have been shown to cause any serious economic loss. No fungicides are available or required for these diseases. The best way to control okra with leaf spots caused by these organisms is to practice crop rotation and utilize a consistent fertilization program. These are not the only pathogens that may be responsible for okra with leaf spots, however.
Cercospora Leaf Spot of Okra
Spots on okra leaves may also be the result of the pathogen Cercospora abelmoschi. Cercospora is a fungal infection wherein spores are carried by the wind from infected plants to other plants. These spores adhere to the leaf surface and grow, becoming mycelia growth. This growth is present on the undersides of the leaves in the form of yellowing and brown spots. As the disease progresses, the leaves become dry and brown. Cercospora survives in plant residue left from hosts such as beet, spinach, eggplant, and, of course, okra. It is favored by warm, wet weather. The most serious outbreaks occur after a period of rainy weather. It is spread by wind, rain, and irrigation, as well as mechanical tool use. To control the spread of Cercospora leaf spot, remove and dispose of infected leaves. Once the infected leaves have been removed, spray a fungicide on the underside of the okra leaves in the afternoon. Always practice crop rotation, especially for subsequent host crops. Control weeds that harbor the disease. Plant only high-quality certified seed.
-
Gifts For Bird Lovers, Birders and Birdies To Attract More Feathered Friends To Your Yard!If you’re looking to bring more birdies to your garden, these gifts for bird lovers should definitely be on your wish list. Grab some avian attractions to get your gardens all aflutter
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
How To Store Okra After PickingLearn how to store fresh okra for up to a year by canning or freezing the harvest. For short-term storage it can go in the refrigerator for two or three days.
-
Edible Okra Leaves – Can You Eat The Leaves Of OkraMany northerners may not have tried it, but okra is quintessentially southern and linked to the cuisine of the region. Even so, many southerners typically just use the okra pods in their dishes, but what about eating the okra leaves? Can you eat the leaves of okra? Find out here.
-
Okra Plant Varieties: Learn About Different Types Of Okra Plants -
Okra Charcoal Rot Information: Learn About Treating Okra Charcoal RotCharcoal rot can be a devastating disease for a number of crops, causing rot in the roots and stems, inhibiting growth, and lowering yield. Charcoal rot of okra has the potential to wipe out that section of your garden and even infect other vegetables. Learn more here.
-
Treating Blight On Okra Plants: Recognizing Southern Blight In Okra Crops
There are times when even the most ardent lover of okra is left with a bad taste in their mouth – and that is when there is blight on okra plants in the garden. Just what is okra southern blight and how do you treat okra with southern blight? Click here to find out.
-
Cotton Root Rot Of Okra: Managing Okra With Texas Root Rot
Cotton root rot of okra, is a nasty fungal disease that attacks many species of plants. The disease, which favors highly alkaline soils and hot summers, is limited to the Southwestern United States. Learn what you can do about okra with Texas root rot in this article.
-
My Okra Flowers Are Falling Off: Reasons For Okra Blossom DropOkra is a beloved vegetable, partly because it can live and produce happily even in extreme heat. Because it's usually so reliable, it can be especially frustrating if your okra plant doesn't produce like it should. One such problem is okra blossom drop. Learn more here.
-
Nematode Okra Problems – Treating Okra With Root Knot NematodesSouthern Americans are not the only ones who love their okra; okra root knot nematodes have a penchant for it as well. Okra with root knot nematodes can cause serious losses. How can root knot nematodes on okra be managed? This article can help with that.
