author(s)
Johnny Ernest Norman, Dan David Quee, Alusaine Edward Samura and Sahr N Fomba

abstract
A field trial was carried out at the Department of Crop Protection, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Njala University, to evaluate mulch materials for the control of Podagrica uniforma L., weeds, growth and yield of Abelmoschus esculentus L. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design, with three replications. Treatments included two varieties of okra Clemson spineless (Improved) and Comi (Local) and four mulch materials (Carica papaya, Imperata cylindrica, Azadirachta indica and Gmelina arborea leaves) and control. Growth and yield characteristics were higher in Comi variety, significantly recorded the lowest population of Podagrica uniforma L. and number of damaged leaves. The findings revealed that Azadirachta indica (4.87 plant^-1) leaves mulch however proved to be the most effective in the control of Podagrica uniforma L. whereas imperata cylindrica controls weeds. Significant and positive correlation existed between pod yield and width, and also between plant height and stem girth.