Symptomatology of Okra viral diseases (Abelmoschus esculentus) and their potential impact on yield

Okra is an important food for many populations in Côte d'Ivoire. However, viral diseases are a real threat to this crop. The general objective is to generate scientific knowledge to protect okra production. Phytosanitary surveys were carried out two weeks after planting at the Ahoué (Ayaman-Abidjan) experimental site and until harvest. The incidence and severity of symptoms were observed. The effect of the viral disease on yield was also determined by comparing the different agronomic parameters between 50 apparently healthy and infected plants. These plants were previously labeled after the results of the PCR assays with the universal primers directed against okra-infecting Begomovirus (Cotton Leaf Curl Gezira Virus (CLCuGV) and Okra Yellow Crinkle Virus (OYCrV) but also simple symptoms (Mosaic, crinkle, leaf curl, leaf discoloration and vein brightening), but complex symptoms have also been observed. The incidence of viral diseases ranges from 50% to 80% throughout The highest yields, 4 on the scale of 1 to 5, were recorded in the complex symptoms of mosaic + crinkle + leaf curl, yield losses by 48.93% were due to Okra viral disease. The use of resistant or tolerant varieties combined with appropriate farming techniques to control effectively the viral disease.