Leaf-Rolling: A Response Oflarval Instars of Sylepta Derogata [Lepidoptera: Pyralidae] to Horizontal Gas Flare at Owaza, Rivers State Nigeria

Abstract

Six larval instars of Sylepta derogata, a major pest of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench ] were sampled in Okra traditional Farms located near a gas-flared station at Owaza in March 2015. Measurements of distances from the horizontal gas flare point to the traditional okra farms were recorded as 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400m where the last Okra Farm was located at a temperature range of 38-48^OC. Control plots were located at Oyigbo, a non-flare source. Samples were taken from okra plants in search of rolled leaves.