By Faridat Salifu
The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria has taken decisive steps to address a perplexing new virus disease that is wreaking havoc on Okra plants in Nigeria.
Professor Mohammed-Faguji Ishiyaku, the Executive Director of the institute, disclosed this in a recent interview with the press.
Ishiyaku revealed that the institute had procured samples of the affected crop and initiated comprehensive investigations to develop a remedy for this concerning issue.
These samples are currently undergoing analysis in the institute’s laboratories to identify the exact virus responsible and determine the insects responsible for transmitting the disease.
This alarming development comes on the heels of reports from the National Horticultural Research Institute, which had identified a novel virus disease afflicting Okra plants throughout Nigeria, resulting in significant losses, with some areas experiencing over a 70% reduction in Okra yields.
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Upon receiving these reports, the IAR swiftly dispatched its team of scientists to assess the situation in Kaduna State and other affected regions.
Ishiyaku stated, “The disease is reaching epidemic proportions, as it has spread nationwide. Our initial scientific assessments corroborated the nature of the disease as a viral infection. Unlike bacterial or fungal diseases, viral infections lack chemical control measures.”
As an interim solution, Ishiyaku recommended the application of insecticides in Okra fields to control the insects responsible for transmitting the virus, thereby preventing the disease from spreading to other farmlands.
Importantly, he assured that the fruits produced by infected Okra plants remain safe for consumption.
In light of this crisis, Ishiyaku advised farmers to thoroughly disinfect their fields using appropriate chemicals before the next planting season and urged them to source their Okra seeds from reputable, disease-free sources.
The IAR’s swift response underscores the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensuring food security in the face of emerging challenges.
