Okra pods can be invaded by corn earworms, but this is not a major problem unless you plan to save seed. It is caused by planting in soils that are too cold and using seeds that are not treated with a fungicide. Southern blight is a soilborne fungal disease that remains in the garden from one year to the next. It attacks the base of the plant and destroys the tissue at the base of the plant. Remove any plants that you suspect have this disease.
Crop rotation is the most effective means of control.
The fungal vascular wilts caused by verticillium and fusarium are present in some soils. The best method of control for this disease is crop rotation and disease-free seed. These conditions are caused by either verticillium or fusarium wilt. Okra varieties are not resistant to verticillium and fusarium wilt. Rotate crops to prevent build-up of these diseases in your garden.