Consumption and Utilization of Bermuda Grass by Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae

Abstract

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), larvae were reared on seven Bermuda-grass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., clones. Consumption, utilization, preference, and suitability were determined for sixth instar larvae on all clones tested. Low nitrogen and digestibility levels found in ‘Alicia’ and ‘OSU 6-7’ leaves limited larval growth and development. A host-suitability index showed that ‘Coastal’ and ‘GA. 77-56’ were less resistant to fall armyworm than were ‘Alicia’ and ‘OSU 6-7.’ ‘Coastal,’ ‘GA. 77-26,’ and ‘GA. 77-56’ Bermuda grasses were preferred over the other clones, while ‘Alicia’ and ‘OSU 6-7’ were the least preferred.