Role of two Organic Fertilizers (Pig and Poultry Manures) Associated with Insects’ Activities on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus, Malvaceae) Yields at Ntambessi (Northwest Region-Cameroon)

Abstract

Field surveys of okra plant plots were conducted during two seasons in 2021 and 2022 in Ntambesi (Northwest Region - Cameroon) aiming to contribute to the improvement of the yield of okra by combining two organic fertilizers and flowering insects. The main factor was pollination with two levels (flowers left free to pollination and flowers isolated from insects). The secondary aspect was fertilization with three points, namely poultry manure, pig manure and the control. The growth parameters, the diversity of the entomaufauna, the foraging activity, the influence of anthophilous insects on pollination and the produce according to organic fertilizers and insects were evaluated. The results showed that the plants located on the plots treated with poultry and pig manure showed significant growth on the various parameters studied irrespective of the year. In both years, a total of six insect’s species have been identified where Ceratina sp. (21.43%) ranks first followed by Apis mellifera (18.63%). Apis mellifera harvested pollen (56.19%) and nectar (43.81%) while Ceratina sp. solely harvested pollen (100%). The fruiting rate, the ratio of normal seeds and mean number of seeds per pod of flowers left free pollination was greater compared to those isolated from insects. Fructification was higher in the lot having poultry manure (90.49%) compared to the lot having pig manure (79.68%) and the control lot (73.77%). The use of organic manure especially the poultry manure and the maintenance of insect nest around okra are recommended to improve crop yield.