Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) is an important vegetable crop cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions, with India contributing the largest share of global production. Among the major arthropod pests affecting okra, the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, causes serious economic losses by reducing plant growth, fruit quality, and marketable yield. Effective management of this pest requires an integrated strategy that combines host plant resistance, biological control, cultural practices, judicious use of acaricides, and timely advisory support to farmers. This review critically examines published research on the biology, host range, damage potential, resistance mechanisms, and management approaches for T. urticae in okra. Particular emphasis is placed on integrated pest management (IPM), the role of agricultural extension services, digital advisory systems, and precision agriculture technologies in promoting sustainable mite management. The review also identifies existing research gaps, including the need for standardized resistance-screening methods, economic threshold levels, resistance monitoring, and climate-resilient management strategies. Strengthening collaboration among researchers, extension agencies, and farming communities will be essential for improving the adoption of scientifically validated practices and ensuring sustainable okra production under changing climatic conditions. The findings presented in this review may assist researchers, extension professionals, and policymakers in designing sustainable mite-management programmes suitable for diverse agro-ecological conditions.
S. Singh, Kaushal Kumar Pandey, Vishal Yadav et al.· International Journal of Env...· 0 citations
The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, has become an important constraint in okra cultivation due to its ability to multiply rapidly and cause serious damage to foliage. Infestation often results in reduced photosynthetic activity, poor plant vigour, and significant losses in yield and marketable quality, particularly under warm and dry conditions. Continuous reliance on synthetic acaricides has resulted in several challenges, including resistance development, pesticide residues, resurgence of pest populations, and adverse effects on beneficial organisms. These concerns have encouraged researchers to explore environmentally safer alternatives for mite management. This review critically examines published information on plant-derived acaricides and their potential role in managing T. urticae in okra-based production systems. Findings from studies conducted in India and other countries indicate that neem-based products, garlic-chilli extracts, karanja oil, tulsi extracts, and several essential oils possess significant acaricidal, repellent, and growth-regulating properties. Evidence generated from field investigations conducted under the doctoral research programme of Singh at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, indicated that NSKE 5%, azadirachtin 0.03%, and neem oil were among the most promising botanical options for suppressing Tetranychus urticae populations under field conditions. Unlike many conventional acaricides that primarily target a single physiological pathway, botanical products influence mite populations through several complementary mechanisms, including direct toxicity, feeding inhibition, reproductive suppression, interference with growth and development, reduction in fecundity, and oviposition deterrence. Their comparatively lower toxicity to natural enemies enhances their suitability for incorporation into integrated pest management programmes. Although several promising results have been reported, challenges related to formulation standardisation, field persistence, and large-scale adoption still need to be addressed. Future efforts should focus on improving formulation technology, validating performance across diverse agro-climatic conditions, and promoting farmer awareness. Overall, botanical acaricides offer a promising component of sustainable and residue-conscious mite management strategies in okra cultivation.
S. Singh, Kaushal Kumar Pandey, Abhay Singh· International Journal of Env...· 0 citations
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