author(s)
T Boopathi, SB Singh, AR Singh, SK Dutta, Y Ramakrishna, S Chowdhury, Lungmuana and V Dayal

abstract
Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is an important vegetable crop cultivated for its nutrition content and potential for economic return. A study was carried out to investigate the susceptibility of okra cultivars to insect pests under open field conditions. Insect infestation varied in cultivars (F=1516.0, P<0.01). For Aphis gossypii (Glover) cvs. Nirmal 101 (8.99/leaf) and Nirmal 303 (13.27/leaf) had the fewest insects. For Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) cvs. Nirmal 303 (0.06/leaf) and Pabhani Kranti (0.12/leaf) had among the fewest insects. For Dysdercus koenigii F. cv. Nirmal 303observed lowest population (1.69/plant) as compared to other cultivars. For Nodostoma spp., cv. Nirmal 101 had the fewest number of insects (7.24/plant). For Mylabris pustulata (Thunb) cv. Parbhani Kranti recorded lowest population (0.14/plant) than other cultivars. For Alcidodes affaber Auriv. cv. Green Challenger had the fewest insects (0.22/plant). Nirmal 303 (292.5g/plant), Crystel Seed-151 (306.3g/plant) and Green Challenger (305.0 g/plant) had among the highest yield and these cultivars had relatively few insects. Host susceptibility is probably influenced by host plant age and climatic conditions. There is potential for use of 'Nirmal-303', 'Crystel Seed-151' and 'Green Challenger', especially in areas where there is a persistent pest problem. Economic analyses must be conducted before ultimate conclusions are drawn.