Farmers are warned by NIHORT about an okra viral disease outbreak

 According to the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Okra plants across Nigeria are now suffering from a new virus illness.

This information is contained in a statement released by the management of NIHORT and provided to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan.

According to the institution, reports of new and unusual virus-like symptoms on okra farms were being received from farmers all throughout Nigeria. These symptoms were causing rapid disease outbreaks, which in some cases resulted in a loss of more than 70% of the okra plants.

The management reported that a multidisciplinary team from NIHORT had observed an uncommon symptom in okra, consisting of leaf curl accompanied with enations or outgrowths, during ad hoc visits to okra farms.

They differ from the typical symptoms associated with virus-infected okra plants, such as leaf curl and/or vein yellowing.

A significant number of leafhoppers and aphids were seen on the leaves of okra plants in farms that were inspected, according to the statement.

"This epidemic has spread across the country after being detected in the states of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos (Southwest), and Niger.

"High populations of aphids and leafhoppers (vectors), as well as the first appearance of little pin-head enations or outgrowths on the underside of okra leaves, are indications of the new virus illness that farmers should be on the lookout for.

According to the institution, okra plants were badly stunted, with small, largely malformed fruits, rendering it inappropriate for marketing. Curling and enations were also more common on newly developed leaves than on later leaves.

Due to the disastrous and detrimental economic effects on okra growers across the country, the administration stated that the institute was on high alert to contain the spread.

According to the administration, the institute wished for the numerous national stakeholders to be made aware of this potential risk to okra production.

"NIHORT considers it necessary to inform farmers about this development and the signs of this novel viral attack, especially the farmers who have not yet encountered these insect pests.