Okra

Okra otank
Okra Disease Control Okra Insect Control Okra Weed Control

Introduction

Okra is a tropical, heat-loving plant in the hibiscus family. Okra plants are drought- and heat-resistant. The immature pods are used in soups, stir fries, pickles, and stews. The mucilage in okra acts as a thickening agent in soups, such as gumbo. Pods may be round or star-shaped. Buyers for fresh market generally prefer star-shaped pods, while soup manufacturers prefer a round pod of the Emerald type. Both types are acceptable for the frozen food industry. Okra is high in fiber, both soluble, in the form of gums and pectins that lower serum cholesterol, and insoluble, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system. 

Okra requires warm weather and is frost-sensitive. The time to harvest for okra ranges from 50 to 60 days. Most varieties have hairs on all parts of the plant that can cause skin irritation, so gloves and long sleeves may be needed for harvest. There are also spineless varieties and red-fruited varieties. Though okra is often listed on pesticide labels as a fruiting crop (Crop Group 8) along with eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes, they are not a related species and share few pests.

Types and Varieties

  • Beck's Big Buck
  • Buffalo Bill 91
  • Carmine Splendor
  • Clemson Spineless
  • Cajun Jewel
  • Emerald Green
  • Jambalaya
  • Jambalaya 2.0
  • Long Green Pod
  • Red
  • Burgunday

Soil Fertility

A well-drained, fertile soil is best for growing okra. Avoid both soils that are poorly drained and soils that are very sandy and light. Apply lime according to soil test to maintain a soil pH at 6.0-6.8.

If plants are to be grown on plastic mulch, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer to be sidedressed can be reduced, since leaching is minimized. If using transplants, apply a liquid fertilizer at transplanting, especially with cool soil conditions. Use a high phosphorous starter fertilizer mixed at a rate of 3 lb/50 gal water. Apply 8 fl oz (1 cup) per transplant.

Plant Nutrient Recommendations According to Soil Test Results for Okra

SOIL TEST RESULTS NITROGEN (N) - LBS PER ACRE PHOSPHORUS (P) -
LBS P2O5 PER ACRE		 POTASSIUM (K) -
LBS K2O PER ACRE
VERY LOW LOW OPTIMUM ABOVE OPTIMUM VERY LOW LOW OPTIMUM ABOVE OPTIMUM
Broadcast and incorporate 50 150 100 25-50 0 200 100 50 0
Sidedress 3-4 weeks after planting 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sidedress 6-8 weeks after planting 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL RECOMMENDED 130 150 100 25-50 0 200 100 25-50 0

Planting

Seeds are sometimes soaked in water for 24 hours due to their hard seed coat to encourage germination. Transplants may be started in the greenhouse, preferably on a heat mat kept at 68-86ºF, and transplanted to larger pots 6 weeks before planting into the field at the 3- to 4-leaf stage. Okra is generally grown in locations where it will receive full sunlight throughout the day. Okra grows best at 75-90ºF and should not be planted outdoors before the soil temperature reaches 65-70ºF at 4" depth, usually in early June. Plastic mulch, row cover, and high tunnels can be used to help achieve the heat requirements. Black plastic mulch with drip irrigation will increase yields.

Plant populations range from 7,000-15,000 plants per acre, depending on the variety. Spacing ranges from 8-24" in the row (100-50 plants per 100 feet of row respectively) with 28-38" between rows.

Harvest and Storage

Flowering will occur as soon as 45 days after seeding, depending on the variety, and pods are ready for harvest 5-6 days after flowering. Okra will set fruit without honey bees but bee activity has been shown to increase yields. Pod tenderness (which is desirable) decreases as size increases. Most varieties will lose their tenderness when they exceed 3-4" in length. For this reason okra plantings must be picked every 2-3 days to maintain optimal market size and increase yield. Pods are harvested by twisting them off the plant or cutting with a knife. After harvest, use forced air or a cool room to bring the okra down to 50-55ºF at 85-90% relative humidity, where it may be stored for 7-10 days. Below 50°F, okra pods are subject to chilling injury.

Okra Disease Control

Okra Disease Control otank
Okra - General Okra Insect Control Okra Weed Control

NOTES: For the disease control products listed below, one product trade name and formulation are provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 26 and Fungicides and Bactericides Alphabetically Listed by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients.

The symbol OG indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more detail.

Cercospora Leaf Spots (Cercospora spp.)

Cercospora fungi survive on infected plant debris. Remove and destroy diseased plant material. Plow crop debris under after harvest to speed up decomposition.

  • azoxystrobin plus difenoconazole (Quadris Top): 8-14 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & 3.
  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Double NickelOG): See label for rate; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02.
  • chlorothalonil (Bravo Weather Stik): 1.5 pt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Group M05.
  • chlorothalonil plus cymoxanil (Ariston Echo 459/Cymoxanil 61): 2.0-2.44 pints/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Groups M05 & 27.
  • chlorothalonil plus zoxamide (Zing): 34 fl oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Groups 22 & M05. Begin application when seedlings emerge or transplants are set. See label for application methods and restrictions.
  • copper hydroxide (Kocide 3000): 0.75 to 1.75 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M01. Do not apply in a spray solution with a pH less than 6.5 or tank mix with Aliette.
  • copper octanoate (Cueva): 33 gal/A or 98 fl oz/ft2; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group M01.
  • difenoconazole plus benzovindiflupyr (Aprovia Top): 10.5 to 13.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 3.
  • difenoconazole plus fluopyram (Luna Flex): 8.0 to 13.6 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 7.
  • tebuconazole (Orius 3.6F): 4 to 6 fl oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Group 3.
  • tebuconazole plus fluopyram (Luna Experience): 12.8 fl oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 7. See label for application restrictions. 
  • sulfur (Microthiol DisperssOG): 3.0 to 10.0 lbs/A; PHI 0d, REI 24h, Group M02. 

Damping-off (Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani)

Damping-off diseases are favored by flooding, cool, cloudy weather, wet soils, high humidity, compacted soils, and overcrowding. Sterilize used pots and trays to raise seedlings. Use a heating pad under trays to warm soil to 75-90°F for indoor plant production. Avoid excessive irrigation, improve soil drainage, and relieve soil compaction. Remove and destroy affected plants and avoid transplanting diseased plants into the field. Seed treatments with biological control agents or fungicides are useful.

  • azoxystrobin (Quadris F): 0.40 to 0.80 fl oz/1000 row feet; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11.
  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Double Nickel 55OG): See label for rate; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02.
  • cyazofamid (Ranman 400SC): 2.1 to 2.75 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 21.
  • ethaboxam (Elumin): 8 fl oz/A; PHI 2d, REI 12h, Group 22. Do not apply more than once before rotating to a non-Group 22 fungicide. See label for restrictions. 
  • metalaxyl-m [mefenoxam] (Apron XL LS): 0.32 to 0.64 fl oz/100 lbs seed; REI 48h, Group 4. Seed treatment.
  • propamocarb HCL (Previcur Flex): See label for application rates. PHI 2d, REI 12h, Group 28.
  • salts of phosphorous acid (Fosphite): 1.0 to 3.0 qt/in a minimum of 20 gal water/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group P07. Do not apply to plants that are heat- or moisture-stressed. Copper phytotoxicity may occur if applied in alteration with copper.
  • thiram (Thiram 42 S): 6.0 lb/100 lb seed; REI 24h, Group M03.

Fusarium and Verticillium Wilts

Avoid planting in fields where these diseases are present. Rotate with non-solanaceous crops. Plant resistant varieties when available. Consider soil fumigation. Soil solarization, fallowing, flooding, and biofumigation with brassica green manures may reduce soil populations of these pathogens. See Soil Fumigation Outdoors in the Disease Management section.

  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Double Nickel 55OG): See label for rate; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02.
  • fluopyram (Velum Prime): 5.0 to 6.84 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 7. See label for application restrictions.
  • Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain AFS009 (Howler EVOOG): 40 to 120 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 0h, Group BM02. May be used in greenhouses. See label for additional rates, application methods, and restrictions.
  • thyme oil (Guarda): See label for rate; PHI 0d, REI 0h, Group NC. See label for application methods.
  • Trichoderma asperellum (ICC 012) plus T. gamsii (ICC 080) (Bio-tam 2.0OG): See label for in-furrow, drench, and broadcast rates; REI 4h, Group BM02. See label for application instructions.

Fruit Rot (Choanephora spp.)

Choanephora is a soilborne pathogen that attacks senescent blossoms and grows into the fruit. No fungicides are currently labeled for control. Improve air circulation with increased plant spacing.

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum)

Maintain plant health with adequate fertilization as nutrient-stressed plants are more susceptible to infection. Rotate between fungicides to minimize risk of resistance.

  • azoxystrobin (Quadris F): 6.0 to 15.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group 11. 
  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Double Nickel 55OG): See label for rate; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02.
  • copper hydroxide (Kocide 3000): 0.75 to 1.75 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M01. Do not apply in a spray solution with a pH less than 6.5 or tank mix with Aliette.
  • copper octanoate (CuevaOG): 33.0 gal/A (or 98 fl oz/1000 sq ft); PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group M01.
  • copper oxychloride plus copper hydroxide (Badge X2OG): 0.75 to 2.75 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Group M01. 
  • cyprodinil plus fludioxonil (Switch 62.5 WDG): 11.0 to 14.0 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Groups 9 & 12. 
  • difenoconazole plus benzovindiflupyr (Aprovia Top): 10.5 to 13.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 7. See label for application restrictions. 
  • difenoconazole plus cyprodinil (Inspire Super): 16.0 to 20.0 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 9. See label for application restrictions. 
  • difenoconazole plus fluopyram (Luna Flex): 8.0 to 13.6 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 7.
  • fluopyram (Velum Prime): 5.0 to 6.84 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 7. 
  • flutriafol (Topguard): 14 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 3.
  • myclobutanil (Rally 40 WP): 2.5 to 5.0 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 24h, Group 3. Do not make more than 4 applications per season. 
  • paraffinic oil (JMS Stylet-Oil): 3.0 to 6.0 qt/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group NC.
  • penthiopyrad (Fontelis): 16.0 to 24.0 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 7. 
  • potassium bicarbonate (MilStop SPOG): 2.0 to 5.0 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 1h, Group NC. May be used in greenhouses. See label for additional rate info and application restrictions.
  • Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain AFS009 (Howler EVOOG): See label for application rates; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group BM02. May be used in greenhouses. See label for additional rates, application methods, and restrictions.
  • pydiflumetofen plus fludioxonil (Miravis Prime): 9.2 to 11.4 fl oz/A, PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 12. Do not apply in greenhouses.
  • Reynoutria sachalinensis extract (RegaliaOG): 1.0 to 4.0 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group P05. See label for application methods and restrictions.
  • sulfur (Microthiol DisperssOG): 3.0 to 10.0 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 24h, Group M02.
  • tetraconazole (Mettle 125ME): 6.0 to 8.0 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 3. Ensure thorough coverage. See label for restrictions. 
  • thyme oil (Guarda): See label for rate; PHI 0d, REI 0h, Group NC. See label for application methods.
  • trifloxystrobin plus fluopyram (Luna Sensation): 5.0 to 7.6 fl oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & 7.

Nematodes

Nematode control is very important for okra production. Fumigate fields in the fall. See Soil Fumigation Outdoors in the Disease Management Section. Rotate with corn.

  • azadirachtin (AzaGuardOG): 15 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group UN. See label for application methods and restrictions. 
  • fluopyram (Velum Prime): 5.0 to 6.84 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 7. See label for application restrictions.
  • Myrothecium verrucaria strain AARC-0255 (DiTera DF Nematicide): 0.31 to 2.4 lbs/1000 sq ft; REI 4h, Group NC. See label for application methods and rates.

Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV)

YVMV is the most important virus disease of okra and it severely reduces growth and yield as well as causing fruit deformity. It is spread by whiteflies. There are no cures or chemical treatments for plant viruses. Remove and destroy affected plants. Plant resistant varieties. Control whiteflies to reduce disease incidence.

Disease Control

Okra Insect Control

Okra Insect Control otank
Okra - General Okra Disease Control Okra Weed Control

NOTES: For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (AI) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same AI. Please see Table 27 and Insecticides Alphabetically Listed by Trade Name for more information on these insecticides.

  • The designation (Bee: L, M, or H) indicates a bee toxicity rating of low, moderate, or high. See the Protecting Honeybees and Native Pollinators section for more details.
  • The symbol * indicates a product is a restricted use pesticide. See Pesticide Safety and Use for more details.
  • The symbol OG indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.

Aphids, Green Peach (Myzus persicae) and Melon (Aphis gossypii)

See the Pepper and Cucumber, Muskmelon, and Watermelon sections for more information on green peach and melon aphids, respectively.

  • acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2 to 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A. Do not exceeed 16 oz per season.
  • afidopyropen (Sefina): 3 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9D.
  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 3.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28. Green peach aphid and potato aphid only. For best performance, use with an effective adjuvant.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A at planting, 6.75 to 10 oz/A chemigation; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting, drip chemigation, or soil injection. Suppression only.
  • flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2.8 to 4.28 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee:L, Group 9C. 
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 10.5 to 14 oz/A for green peach aphid foliar, 7 to 14 oz/A for other aphids foliar, 21 to 28 oz/A soil; PHI 1d foliar, 45d soil, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression only.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 7 to 14 oz/A soil, 1.3 to 2.2 oz/A foliar, 0.44 oz/10,000 plants on seedling transplants in greenhouse; PHI 21d soil, 0d foliar, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Greenhouse applications only provide short-term protection. An additional field application must be made within 2 weeks following transplanting to provide continuous protection.
  • malathion (Malathion 57 EC): 1.5 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: M, Group 23. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and sytemicity. Don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages, may also reduce adult fertility.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 3.2 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Aphid control may be variable depending on species present and host-plant relationships. 

Corn Earworm, also known as Tomato Fruitworm (Helicoverpa zea)

See Sweet Corn section for more information.

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* EC): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTariOG): 0.5 to 1.5 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Must be ingested. Apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved speader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt kurstaki products (Dipel). 
  • Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Dipel DFOG): 0.5 to 2 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Must be ingested. Apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved speader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt aizawai products (XenTari). 
  • Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (Venerate XCOG): 1 to 4 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
  • carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1 to 1.5 qt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A.
  • chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 7.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 28. May be applied to soil at planting, through drip chemigation, or as foliar spray. 
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 7 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 28.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28. For soil applications at planting, drip chemigation, or soil injection.
  • cyclaniliprole (Harvanta): 10.9 to 16.4 fl oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H, Group 28.
  • emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 2.4 to 4.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Apply when larvae are first observed. 
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 10 to 16 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Suppression only. Apply at first sign of feeding damage, or when threshold levels are reached.
  • novaluron (Rimon* 0.83EC): 9 to 12 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 15. Most effective on 1st and 2nd instars. 
  • spinetoram (Radiant SC): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5.
  • spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 3 to 6 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Do not apply to seedlings for transplant.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica)

Beetles migrate from turf or pastures starting in July and skeletonize leaves.

  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Adults only.
  • Isaria fumosorosea Apopka Strain 97 (PFR-97 20% WDGOG): 1 to 2 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN. Soil applications only.
  • malathion (Malathion 57 EC): 1.5 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.

Two-spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae)

Outbreaks are often caused by the use of broad-spectrum insecticides. Two-spotted spider mites (TSSM) tend to be prone to pesticide resistance. Watch for white speckling on the upper surface of leaves or webbing on the undersurface around leaf veins. Avoid early-season, broad-spectrum insecticide applications for other pests. Use selective products whenever possible. With most miticides (not bifenazate), use 2 applications, approximately 5-7 days apart, to help control immature mites that were in the egg stage and protected during the first application. Alternate between products after 2 applications to help prevent or delay resistance. For more information on TSSM, see the Eggplant section.

  • abamectin (Agri-Mek* SC): 1.75 to 3.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 6. Must be mixed with a non-ionic wetting, spreading and/or penetrating spray adjuvant. Do not use binder or sticker type adjuvant. 
  • acequinocyl (Kanemite 15SC): 31 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 20B. Do not use less than 100 gal water/A. Use of an adjuvant or surfactant is prohibited.
  • bifenazate (Acramite 50WS): 0.75 to 1 lb/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Long residual. Not systemic; ensure complete coverage of upper and lower leaf surfaces and fruit.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 5.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. 
  • fenproximate (Portal XLO): 2 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 21A. Not labelled for greenhouse use.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Suppression only.
  • hexythiazox (Onager Optek*): 12 to 24 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 10A. 
  • sulfur (Microthiol DisperssOG): 3 to 10 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 24h, Bee: L, No IRAC classification. 

Stink Bugs

See Tomato section for information on stink bugs, including brown marmorated stink bug.

  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. 
  • carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1 to 1.5 qt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Do not apply to crops in bloom. 
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 17 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.24 to 4 oz/A green stink bug, 3.2 to 4 oz/A brown stink bug; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
Insect Control

Okra Weed Control

Okra Weed Control otank
Okra - General Okra Disease Control Okra Insect Control

NOTES: For the herbicides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient along with preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), resistance management group number, and example of rates and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same active ingredient. However, not all products with the same active ingredient are registered for use in a crop. Always check the product label to be sure that the crop is listed before using. 

Growing on Plastic Mulch

Plasticulture is a common practice for okra since it is a warm season crop. Some hand weeding may be needed in the planting holes as okra grows slowly at first after transplanting. Apply the plastic at least 2-3 weeks prior to planting. Kill the weeds between the mulch prior to setting the okra plants on the plastic. 

Stale Seedbed

See Stale Seedbed Technique for information on the use of these herbicides or flaming.

Preemergent Herbicides (before weeds germinate)

  • sulfentrazone (Aquesta 4F): REI 12h, Group 14. Apply 2.25-12 oz/A per application, only 1 application per year. Rate based on soil texture, organic matter, and soil pH. Apply banded or broadcast before transplanting.
  • trifluralin (Treflan HFP): REI 12h, Group 3. Apply 1-2 pts/A per application, only 1 application per year. Apply and incorporate before or immediately after planting. Incorporate 2-3’’ into the soil of the final seedbed within 24 hours of application. If incorporating after planting, take care not to disturb the seed. Disc twice for satisfactory incorporation. Rate based on soil texture.

Pre- and Postemergent Herbicides

  • mesotrione (Callisto): PHI 28d, REI 12h, Group 27. Apply 3-6 oz/A per application, only 1 application per year. Can be applied as a row middle OR a hooded post-direct treatment (but not both). Injury risk is greatest on sand, sandy loam, or loamy sand soils. If applying in row middles, apply 6 oz/A as a banded application prior to weed emergence. Leave one foot of untreated area over the okra row or 6" to each side of the planted row. Do not apply directly over the planted row. If applying as a directed spray, apply 3 oz/A to actively growing weeds using a hooded sprayer to minimize contact with okra foliage. Okra must be at least 3” tall.
  • prometryn (Caparol 4L): PHI 14d, REI 12h or 48h, Group 5. Apply 1.5-3 pts/A per application, up to 2 applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 3 pts/A per year. Can be applied after planting, before crop emerges or as a directed spray when the okra plants are at the 7- to 9-leaf stage and before weeds are 2” tall.

Postemergent Herbicides (after weeds germinate)

  • carfentrazone (Aim EC): PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 14. Apply 0.5-2 oz/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 6.1 oz/A per year. Apply to row middles of emerged crops with hooded sprayers to control emerged weeds, including crops grown on mulch or plastic. Prevent any spray from contacting the crop, or injury will occur. For best results, make application to actively growing weeds up to 4” tall and rosettes less than 3” across. Can also apply up to 2 oz/A as a preplant burndown no later than 7 days before planting by seed or immediately before transplanting.
  • clethodim (Select Max): PHI 3d, REI 24h, Group 1. Apply 9-16 oz/A per application, up to 4 applications per year, a minimum of 14 days apart. Do not exceed 64 oz/A per year. Apply to actively growing grasses. Add 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal of spray). Can also be applied as a spot-spray by mixing 0.33-0.66% (0.44-0.85 oz/gal) Select Max and 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (0.33 oz/gal). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.
  • glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): PHI 14d, REI 4h, Group 9. Apply 10 oz to 3.1 qts/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 5 qts/A per year. Rate based on target weed species. Can be applied during fallow intervals, prior to planting or transplanting, at planting, or before crop has emerged. Could cause injury when applied prior to transplanting or direct-seeding into plastic mulch. Remove residual product from plastic mulch with a 0.5” of water through irrigation or rainfall prior to planting.
  • halosulfuron (Sandea): PHI 30d, REI 12h, Group 2. Apply 0.5-1.5 oz/A per application, up to 2 application allowed per year. Do not exceed 2 oz/A per year. Apply between rows of okra for control of broadleaf weeds. If plastic mulch is used, keep the herbicide off the plastic. Do not allow Sandea to contact the planted crop or crop injury will occur. 
  • paraquat (Gramoxone SL 2.0*): REI 12h or 24h, Group 22. Apply 1.3-2.7 pts/A per application, up to 3 applications allowed per year, a minimum of 14 days apart. Do not exceed 5.3 pts/A per year. Only 1 application may be made before crop emergence, and 2 may be made after crop emergence. Use precision directed spray application equipment adjusted to prevent spray contact with crop plants. May be fatal if swallowed or inhaled. *Restricted use: Applicators must complete an EPA-approved paraquat training every 3 years: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/paraquat-dichloride-training-certified-applicators.
  • pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 0. Apply a 3-10% solution (3-10 gallons per 100 gallons of spray). Rate based on target weed species. Apply in 75-200 gal/A of spray or with a spot sprayer until foliage is wet but not to the point of runoff. Repeat applications as necessary. Can apply for vegetative burndown during site preparation, prior to crop emergence from soil, as a directed and shielded spray during crop growth taking care to avoid contact with foliage and green tissue of crops, or after harvest.
  • sethoxydim (Poast): PHI 14d, REI 12h, Group 1. Apply 1.5 pt/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 5.5 pts/A per year. Apply to actively growing grasses. Use with crop oil concentrate (2 pt/A) or methylated seed oil (1.5 pt/A). Crop oil can cause injury under hot and humid conditions. Can also be applied as a spot-spray by mixing 1-1.5% (1.3-1.9 oz/gal) Poast and 1% v:v crop oil concentrate (1.3 oz/gal). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.
Weed Control