Okra

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 and will flower and fruit during high summer temperatures (75°F–95°F). 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

TypesVarieties
Compact or Short-Season Green-Podded

Annie Oakley II

Baby Bubba

Blondy

Jambalaya

Jambalaya 2.0

Standard Green-Podded

Buffalo Bill 91

Cajun Delight

Clemson Spineless

Emerald

Cowhorn

Red-Podded

Candle Fire

Carmine Splendor

Red Burgundy

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 of 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. Overapplying nitrogen can promote excessive vegetative growth, delaying flowering and fruit set.

Plant Nutrient Recommendations According to Soil Test Results for Okra

SOIL TEST RESULTSNITROGEN (N) - LB PER ACREPHOSPHORUS (P) -
LB P2O5 PER ACRE		POTASSIUM (K) -
LB K2O PER ACRE
VERY LOWLOWOPTIMUMABOVE OPTIMUMVERY LOWLOWOPTIMUMABOVE OPTIMUM
Broadcast and incorporate5015010025–500200100500
Sidedress 3–4 weeks after planting4000000000
Sidedress 6–8 weeks after planting4000000000
TOTAL RECOMMENDED13015010025–50020010025–500

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 68ºF–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 75ºF–90ºF and should not be planted outdoors before the soil temperature reaches 65ºF–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. Clipping pods usually causes less stem damage than snapping them off by hand. Remove oversized pods to keep plants productive. After harvest, use forced air or a cool room to bring the okra down to 50ºF at 90%–95% relative humidity, where it may be stored for 7–10 days. Below 45°F, okra pods are subject to chilling injury.

Okra Disease Control

Okra - General Okra Insect Control Okra Weed Control

Cercospora Leaf Spots (Cercospora spp.)

This disease typically appears as small, round, tan lesions with reddish borders. Lesions may coalesce, causing leaf blight and defoliation. The fungus survives on infected plant debris. Use proper plant spacing to optimize airflow and sun exposure. Remove and destroy diseased plant material. Plow crop debris under after harvest to speed up decomposition.

FRAC Group 3:

  • azoxystrobin + difenoconazole (Quadris Top): 8 to 14 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & 3.
  • difenoconazole + benzovindiflupyr (Aprovia Top): 10.5 to 13.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 3.
  • difenoconazole + fluopyram (Luna Flex): 8 to 13.6 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 7.
  • flutriafol + azoxystrobin (TopGuard EQ): 4 to 8 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 3 & 11. 
  • tebuconazole (Orius 3.6F): 4 to 6 fl oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h. 
  • tebuconazole +  fluopyram (Luna Experience): 12.8 fl oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 7. 

FRAC Group 7:

  • difenoconazole + benzovindiflupyr (Aprovia Top): 10.5 to 13.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 3.
  • difenoconazole + fluopyram (Luna Flex): 8 to 13.6 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 7.
  • tebuconazole + fluopyram (Luna Experience): 12.8 fl oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 7. 

FRAC Group 11:

  • azoxystrobin + difenoconazole (Quadris Top): 8 to 14 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & 3.
  • flutriafol + azoxystrobin (TopGuard EQ): 4 to 8 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 3 & 11. 

FRAC Group 22:

  • chlorothalonil + cymoxanil (Ariston Echo 459/Cymoxanil 61): 2 to 2.44 pints/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Groups M05 & 27.

FRAC Group 27:

  • chlorothalonil + cymoxanil (Ariston Echo 459/Cymoxanil 61): 2 to 2.44 pints/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Groups M05 & 27.

FRAC Group BM02:

  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Double Nickel 55OG): 0.125 to 1 lb/A (soil), 0.25 to 3 lb/A (foliar); PHI 0d, REI 4h.

FRAC Group M01:

  • copper hydroxide (Kocide 3000): 0.75 to 1.75 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h. Do not apply in a spray solution with a pH less than 6.5 or tank mix with Aliette. An OMRI-listed formulation is available (Kocide 3000-OOG).
  • copper octanoate (CuevaOG): 33 gal/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h.

FRAC Group M02: 

  • sulfur (Microthiol DisperssOG): 3 to 10 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 24h. Begin application at early leaf stage. 

FRAC Group M05: 

  • chlorothalonil (Bravo Weather Stik): 1.5 pt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h.
  • chlorothalonil + cymoxanil (Ariston Echo 459/Cymoxanil 61): 2 to 2.44 pints/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Groups M05 & 27.
  • chlorothalonil + zoxamide (Zing!): 34 fl oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Groups 22 & M05. Begin application when seedlings emerge or transplants are set. 

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.

FRAC Group 4:

  • mefenoxam (Apron XL LS): 0.085 to 0.64 fl oz/100 lb seed; REI 48h. Seed treatment. Labeled for Pythium. 

FRAC Group 11:

  • azoxystrobin (Quadris F): 0.4 to 0.8 fl oz/1000 row feet; PHI 0d, REI 4h.

FRAC Group 21:

  • cyazofamid (Ranman 400SC): 2.1 to 2.75 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h. 

FRAC Group 22:

  • ethaboxam (Elumin): 8 fl oz/A; PHI 2d, REI 12h. Do not apply more than once before rotating to a non-Group 22 fungicide. 

FRAC Group 28:

  • propamocarb HCL (Previcur Flex): 1.2 pt/A; PHI 5d, REI 12h.

FRAC Group BM02:

  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Double Nickel 55OG): 0.125 to 1 lb/A (soil), 0.25 to 3 lb/A (foliar); PHI 0d, REI 4h.
  • Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain AFS009 (Howler EVOOG): 2.5 to 7.5 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h. Use preventatively. 

FRAC Group M03:

  • thiram (Thiram 42-S): 6 lb/100 lb seed; REI 24h.

FRAC Group P07:

  • salts of phosphorous acid (Fosphite): 1 to 3 qt/20 gal water/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h. Do not apply to plants that are heat- or moisture-stressed. Copper phytotoxicity may occur.

Fruit Rot (Choanephora spp.)

Choanephora is a soilborne pathogen that attacks senescent blossoms and grows into the fruit. The fungus appears as a very fuzzy white to grayish growth on affected fruit. No fungicides are currently labeled for control. Improve air circulation and sun exposure with increased plant spacing.

Nematodes

Nematode feeding damages plant roots, resulting in wilting, stunting, and decreased yield. The roots of affected plants are stunted and diminished. If root knot nematodes are present, root galls may be present. Nematode control is especially important for okra production. Fumigate fields in the fall. See Soil Fumigation Outdoors in the Disease Management Section. Rotate with corn.

FRAC Group 7:

  • fluopyram (Velum Prime): 3 to 6.84 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 7. 

FRAC Group UN:

  • azadirachtin (AzaGuardOG): 15 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Group UN. 

FRAC Group NC:

  • Myrothecium verrucaria strain AARC-0255 (DiTera DF Nematicide): 0.31 to 2.4 lb/1000 sq ft; REI 4h, Group NC.

Okra Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (OYVMV)

OYVMD is caused by a group of viruses, all of which are transmitted by whiteflies. This disease reduces growth and yield as well as causing fruit yellowing and deformity. Stunted growth and yellowing of leaf veins are also observed. There are no cures or chemical treatments for plant viruses. Remove and destroy affected plants. Plant resistant varieties. Control whiteflies to reduce disease incidence.

Powdery mildew (Golovinomyces (syn. Erysiphe) spp.)

Powdery mildew is characterized by white, powdery fungal growth on the leaves of host plants. Maintain plant health with adequate fertilization as nutrient-stressed plants are more susceptible to infection. Rotate between fungicides to minimize risk of resistance. Control weeds, especially those in the mallow family.

FRAC Group 3:

  • difenoconazole + benzovindiflupyr (Aprovia Top): 10.5 to 13.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 7.
  • difenoconazole + cyprodinil (Inspire Super): 14 to 20 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 9. 
  • difenoconazole + fluopyram (Luna Flex): 8 to 13.6 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 7.
  • flutriafol + azoxystrobin (TopGuard EQ): 4 to 8 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 3 & 11. 
  • myclobutanil (Rally 40 WSP): 2.5 to 5 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 24h. Do not make more than 4 applications per season. 
  • tetraconazole (Mettle 125ME): 6 to 8 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h. Ensure thorough coverage.  

FRAC Group 7: 

  • difenoconazole + benzovindiflupyr (Aprovia Top): 10.5 to 13.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 7. 
  • difenoconazole + fluopyram (Luna Flex): 8 to 13.6 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 7.
  • fluopyram (Velum Prime): 3 to 6.84 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 7. 
  • penthiopyrad (Fontelis): 16 to 24 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h. 
  • pydiflumetofen + fludioxonil (Miravis Prime): 6.5 to 11.4 fl oz/A, PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 12. Not for greenhouse use for this crop.
  • trifloxystrobin + fluopyram (Luna Sensation): 5 to 7.6 fl oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & 7. 

FRAC Group 9:

  • cyprodinil + fludioxonil (Switch 62.5 WDG): 11 to 14 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Groups 9 & 12. 
  • difenoconazole + cyprodinil (Inspire Super): 14 to 20 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 3 & 9. 

FRAC Group 11:

  • azoxystrobin (Quadris F): 6 to 15.5 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h. 
  • flutriafol + azoxystrobin (TopGuard EQ): 4 to 8 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 3 & 11. 
  • trifloxystrobin + fluopyram (Luna Sensation): 5 to 7.6 fl oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Groups 11 & 7. 

FRAC Group 12:

  • cyprodinil + fludioxonil (Switch 62.5 WDG): 11 to 14 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Groups 9 & 12. 
  • pydiflumetofen + fludioxonil (Miravis Prime): 6.5 to 11.4 fl oz/A, PHI 0d, REI 12h, Groups 7 & 12. Not for greenhouse use for this crop.

FRAC Group BM01:

  • thyme oil (Guarda): 1 gal/29–159 gal water (0.625%–3.3% v/v); PHI 0d, REI 0h.

FRAC Group BM02:

  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Double Nickel 55OG): 0.125 to 1 lb/A (soil), 0.25 to 3 lb/A (foliar); PHI 0d, REI 4h.
  • Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain AFS009 (Howler EVOOG): 2.5 to 7.5 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h. Use preventatively. 

FRAC Group M01:

  • copper hydroxide (Kocide 3000): 0.75 to 1.75 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h. Do not apply in a spray solution with a pH less than 6.5 or tank mix with Aliette. An OMRI-listed formulation is available (Kocide 3000-OOG).
  • copper octanoate (CuevaOG): 33 gal/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h.
  • copper oxychloride + copper hydroxide (Badge X2OG): 0.75 to 2.75 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 24h. 

FRAC Group M02: 

  • sulfur (Microthiol DisperssOG): 3 to 10 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 24h. 

FRAC Group NC:

  • paraffinic oil (JMS Stylet-Oil): 3 to 6 qt/100 gal water; PHI 0d, REI 4h. An organic formulation is available. 
  • potassium bicarbonate (MilStop SPOG): 2 to 5 lb/A (field); PHI 0d, REI 1h. 

FRAC Group P05:

  • Reynoutria sachalinensis extract (RegaliaOG): 1 to 4 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h. 

Vascular Wilts (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp vasinfectum and Verticillium spp.)

Symptoms of vascular wilt diseases include stunting, yellowing, and browning of foliage. Plants may be seen to wilt on sunny afternoons and recover at night. Both species cause brown to black discoloration of the vascular system. Fungicides are marginally effective for vascular wilts, but they may be helpful as part of a comprehensive IPM program. Avoid planting in fields where these diseases are present. Rotate with non-host crops (non-solanaceous crops for Fusarium, corn and small grains for Verticillium) for at least 4 years. 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.

FRAC Group 7:

  • fluopyram (Velum Prime): 3 to 6.84 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Group 7. 

FRAC Group BM01:

  • thyme oil (Guarda): 1 gal/29–159 gal water (0.625%–3.3% v/v); PHI 0d, REI 0h.

FRAC Group BM02:

  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Double Nickel 55OG): 0.125 to 1 lb/A (soil), 0.25 to 3 lb/A (foliar); PHI 0d, REI 4h.
Disease Control

Okra Insect Control

Okra - General Okra Disease Control Okra Weed Control

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

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

IRAC Group 1:

  • malathion (Malathion 57 EC): 1.5 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B.

IRAC Group 3:

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 3.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label. Aphid control may be variable depending on species present and host-plant relationships. 
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label. Suppression only.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 15.61 oz/A, or 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal and 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang* Maxx): 3.2 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. See resistance statement on label. Aphid control may be variable depending on species present and host-plant relationships. 

IRAC Group 4:

  • acetamiprid (Assail 30SG): 2 to 4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A.
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 10.5 to 14 oz/A foliar green peach aphid, 7 to 14 oz/A foliar other aphids, 21 to 28 oz/A soil, 0.34oz/10,000 plants on seedling transplants in greenhouse (tray drench); PHI 1d foliar, 45d soil and greenhouse, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 4D.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 1.3 to 2.2 oz/A foliar, 7 to 14 oz/A soil, 0.44 oz/10,000 plants on seedling transplants in greenhouse; PHI 0d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. 

IRAC Group 9:

  • afidopyropen (Sefina): 3 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 9D.

IRAC Group 23:

  • spirotetramat (Movento): 4 to 5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 24h, Bee: M. Must be tank-mixed with a spray adjuvant with spreading and penetrating properties to maximize leaf uptake and systemicity. Don't use sticker adjuvants. Controls immature stages, may also reduce adult fertility. Do not use in greenhouses or high tunnels.

IRAC Group 28:

  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 13.5 to 20.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. For best performance, use with an effective adjuvant. For green peach and potato aphid.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 6.75 to 13.5 oz/A at planting, 6.75 to 10 oz/A chemigation/soil injection; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H. Suppression only.

IRAC Group 29:

  • flonicamid (Beleaf 50SG): 2.8 to 4.28 oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L.

IRAC Group UN:

  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.

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

See the Sweet Corn insect control section for information on corn earworm.

IRAC Group 1:

  • carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1 to 1.5 qt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Do not apply to crops or weeds in bloom. 

IRAC Group 3:

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 2.2 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang* Maxx): 2.24 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 5:

  • spinetoram (Radiant SC): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
  • spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 3 to 6 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Do not apply to seedlings for transplant.

IRAC Group 6:

  • emamectin benzoate (Proclaim*): 2.4 to 4.8 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Apply when larvae are first observed.

IRAC Group 11:

  • Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTariOG): 0.5 to 1.5 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Must be ingested. 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. Must be ingested. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt aizawai products (XenTari).

IRAC Group 15:

  • novaluron (Rimon* 0.83EC): 9 to 12 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Most effective on 1st and 2nd instars.

IRAC Group 18:

  • methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 10 to 16 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L. Suppression only. 

IRAC Group 28:

  • chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 3.5 to 7.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L. May be applied to soil at planting, through drip chemigation, or as foliar spray.
  • cyantraniliprole (Exirel): 7 to 13.5 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • cyantraniliprole (Verimark): 5 to 10 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H. For soil applications at planting, drip chemigation, or soil injection.
  • cyclaniliprole (Harvanta 50SL): 10.9 to 16.4 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: H.

IRAC Group 30:

  • isocycloseram (Incipio): 5.1 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Do not treat plants grown for transplanting. Not for use in greenhouses.

IRAC Group UN:

  • Burkholderia spp. strain A396 (Venerate XCOG): 1 to 4 qt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M.

Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica)

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

IRAC Group 1:

  • malathion (Malathion 57 EC): 1.5 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B.

IRAC Group 3:

  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. Adults only. 
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H. Adults only.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 15.61 oz/A, or 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal and 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M.

IRAC Group UN:

  • Isaria fumosorosea Apopka Strain 97 (PFR-97 20% WDGOG): 1 to 2 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M. Soil applications only.

Stink Bugs

See the Tomato (Outdoor) insect control section for information on stink bugs, including brown marmorated stink bug.

IRAC Group 1:

  • carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1 to 1.5 qt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Do not apply to crops or weeds in bloom. 

IRAC Group 3:

  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 15.61 oz/A, or 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal and 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang* Maxx): 2.24 to 4 oz/A green stink bug, 3.2 to 4 oz/A brown stink bug; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: H.

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. See the Eggplant insect control section for more information on TSSM.

IRAC Group 3:

  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 5.12 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 5d, REI 48h, Bee: H. Suppression only.

IRAC Group 6:

  • abamectin (Agri-Mek* SC): 1.75 to 3.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H. 

IRAC Group 10:

  • hexythiazox (Onager Optek*): 12 to 24 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 10A. Do not make more than one application per year.

IRAC Group 20:

  • acequinocyl (Kanemite 15SC): 31 oz/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 20B. 
  • bifenazate (Acramite 50WS): 0.75 to 1 lb/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 20D. Long residual.

IRAC Group 21:

  • fenproximate (Portal XLO): 2 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 12h, Bee: L. 

IRAC Group UN:

  • sulfur (Microthiol DisperssOG): 3 to 10 lb/A; REI 24h, Bee: L. Apply at early leaf stage. 
Insect Control

Okra Weed Control

Okra - General Okra Disease Control Okra Insect Control

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

The following herbicides are nonselective and are used to control weeds that are present in a field prior to planting or before the crop emerges, which is especially useful for the Stale Seedbed Technique (see the Weed Management section for more information).

Preemergent Herbicides (before weeds germinate)

HRAC Group 3:

  • trifluralin (Treflan HFP): 1 to 2 pt/A; REI 12h. 1 application per year. Apply and incorporate before or within 24 hours of planting; a second incorporation pass in the opposite direction may be required.

HRAC Group 14:

  • sulfentrazone (Aquesta 4F): 2.25 to 12 fl oz/A; REI 12h. 1 application per year. Apply banded or broadcast before transplanting.

Pre- and Postemergent Herbicides

HRAC Group 5:

  • prometryn (Caparol 4L): 1.5 to 3 pt/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h. Do not exceed 3 pt/A per year. Apply after planting but before crop emerges or as a directed spray when crop is in the 7- to 9-leaf stage.

HRAC Group 27:

  • mesotrione (Callisto): 3 to 6 fl oz/A; PHI 28d, REI 12h. 1 application per year. Apply as a banded row middle treatment OR a hooded post-direct treatment when crop is at least 3” tall (but not both). If banding, leave 6” to each side of the planted row unsprayed. Okra must be at least 3” tall. Contact with crop will cause damage.

Postemergent Herbicides (after weeds germinate)

HRAC Group 0:

  • pelargonic acid (Scythe): 3% to 10% solution; PHI 1d, REI 12h. Apply as a vegetative burndown during site preparation, prior to crop emergence from soil, as a directed and shielded spray during crop growth.

HRAC Group 1:

  • clethodim (Select Max): 9 to 16 fl oz/A; PHI 3d, REI 24h. Do not exceed 64 fl oz/A per year. Apply to actively growing grasses.

  • sethoxydim (Poast): 0.5 to 1.5 pt/A; PHI 14d, REI 12h. Do not exceed 5.5 pt/A per year. Apply to actively growing grasses. BASF has stopped production and will discontinue the registration at the end of 2027.

HRAC Group 2:

  • halosulfuron (Sandea): 0.5 to 1.5 oz/A; PHI 30d, REI 12h. Do not exceed 2 oz/A per year. Apply between rows for control of broadleaf weeds. Contact with crop will cause damage.

HRAC Group 9:

  • glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): 10 fl oz to 3.1 qt/A; PHI 14d, REI 4h. Do not exceed 5 qt/A per year. Apply during fallow intervals and up until 3 days prior to planting, or to row middles with a hooded or shielded sprayer or with wiper applicator. Apply a minimum of 3 days before planting. Spray contact can cause crop death. Spray additive recommendation varies with formulation—see label.

HRAC Group 14:

  • carfentrazone (Aim EC): 0.5 to 2 fl oz/A; PHI 0d, REI 12h. Do not exceed 6.1 fl oz/A per year. Apply as preplant burndown no later than 1 day before transplanting, or  to row middles of emerged crops with hooded sprayers. Contact with crop will cause damage.

HRAC Group 22:

Weed Control