Biology of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) on Maize under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Maize is a important cereal harvests developed for food, fodder and raw material throughout the country. It is rich source of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. Corn production is decreasing day by day due to attack of more than 353 insect species and mites. Among insect pests, Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda is best destructive pest for corn production. The rearing of Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda was conducted under laboratory conditions in Department of Entomology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U. P. during 2023. The complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa and adult) was certified in Spodoptera frugiperda. The average fecundity was 2.59 ± 0.40 days. There were 6th instar larval of Spodoptera frugiperda and total larval period was 15-20 days. The growth period of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th larval instar was 2-3, 2.5-3, 2.2-3, 2-2.5, 2.5-3, 4-6 days respectively on corn leaves. The average period of pupa was 10.33 ± 1.07 days. The female was long lived than male. The total evolved period from egg to adult was 45-47 days.