EDAX-Based Elemental Analysis of Okra Genotypes and Their Impact on Leafhopper Infestation

Okra is the most commonly cultivated vegetable crop in India throughout the year. The inhabitation of insect pests is considered to be a major impediment in okra cultivation. The leafhopper Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida is considered to be the foremost important insect pest causing severe yield loss. In the present agrarian scenario, the use of resistant varieties serves as an alternate mode of pest management with no further cost and environmental hazards. Considering the significance of host plant resistance, the present research was carried out to profile elemental composition in selected okra-susceptible and -resistant genotype leaf samples using EDAX. Major nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, were also analyzed by adopting standard procedures; it was found that the nitrogen and phosphorous contents were high in highly susceptible genotypes, while they were low in moderately resistant genotypes. From correlation studies, it was found that a significant and positive correlation with the leafhopper population was recorded in nitrogen content (r = 0.872), while a non-significant positive correlation was registered in phosphorous content (r = 0.737). A strong negative and significant correlation was recorded with potassium content (r = -0.971) and leafhopper numbers. Among other elements, Si content was at its maximum in the moderately resistant genotype AE 65, which showed a negative correlation with the leafhopper population. Thus, the elemental composition of leaves may have an impact on leafhopper population. Therefore, this study aids in the development of the resistant crop development programme.