EFFECTS OF INTERCROPPING MAIZE (ZEA MAYS) WITH OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS) ON THE INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF VIRUS DISEASES

Viral diseases pose a major constraint to okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) production in Nigeria, particularly in Kwara State, where smallholder farmers rely heavily on the crop for food and income. This study evaluated the effects of intercropping okra with maize (Zea mays) on the incidence and severity of viral infections, as well as on the growth and yield performance of okra. A field experiment was conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching and Research Farm using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments: sole okra, okra–maize–okra–maize, and okra–okra–maize–maize. Data were collected on virus symptom incidence and severity, plant height, number of leaves, and pod yield. Viral presence was confirmed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests targeting Okra Mosaic Virus (OMV), Okra Leaf Curl Virus (OLCV), and Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV). Results showed that intercropping significantly reduced the incidence and severity of viral infections compared to the mono-cropped okra treatment. The okra–maize–okra–maize arrangement consistently recorded the lowest virus incidence (10.8% at week 8) and the highest yield (11.9 g per plant), suggesting improved plant health and productivity. ELISA analysis supported field observations, with lower viral detection rates in intercropped treatments. These findings affirm that intercropping okra with maize can serve as an effective cultural strategy for managing viral diseases and improving okra yield under the ecological conditions of Kwara State. The study recommends the adoption of okra–maize intercropping alongside integrated pest management practices to enhance sustainable okra production, reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, and promote food security among smallholder farmers.