Available online at www.pelagiaresearchlibrary.com Pelagia Research Library Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research, 2011, 1 (3):123-130 ISSN : 2249 – 7412 123 Pelagia Research Library Preliminary Evaluation of the Insecticidal Potential of Organic Compost Extracts Against Insect Pests of Okra (Abemoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Alao F. O., Adebayo T. A., Olaniran O.A. and Akanbi, W.B. Department of Agronomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria ______________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT Experiment was conducted in 2009 planting season using extracts of Tithonia composts, Maize stover composts and Cassava peel. The extracts were applied to the foliage to control Podagrica species, Zonocerus variegatus and Bemisia tabaci on okra seedlings planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Results showed that the organic compost liquid formulations acted as antifeedant to the test insects but Maize stover compost had a very good control of the insects with its efficacy ranging from 60% to 80% control. Okra plants treated with maize stover compost had significantly higher physiological and yield performance of okra plant than cassava peel, Tithonia compost and untreated plants. This study suggests that organic composts especially maize stover compost can be used as insecticide in organic farming system to raise okra plant. Key words: organic composts, Podagrica species, Zonocerus variegatus, Bemisia tabaci, insect infestations, lambdacyalothrin. ______________________________________________________________________________ INTROUDUCTION Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) known as lady’s finger is a major vegetable crop in many countries [7]. Okra fruit is principally consumed fresh or cooked and is a major source of vitamins A, B, C, minerals, Iron and Iodine but it is reportedly low in sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol [20]. Mucilage derived from okra is used industrially to clear sugar cane juice during jugglery in India and for seizing paper in China [17]. Cultivation of okra in western states of Nigerian is usually done by the peasant farmers and mixed cropping is their usual practice. Okra can be grown on wide range of soils, but well drained fertile soils with adequate organic matter result to high yield [4]. The crop is widely cultivated throughout the year in the tropics. Insect pests infestation is one of the major factors militating against cultivation of okra in Nigeria. Different phenologies of okra have been reportedly attacked by the insects. The crop was observed to have shared the same broad pest spectrum with cotton and hibiscus [14]. Among 1