Damage Caused by Spodoptera frugiperda J.E Smith on Corn in Climate Zones in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Corn, as one of the main commodities in South Sulawesi, cannot be separated from pests such as Spodoptera frugiperda. J.E Smith. S. frugiperda is a new invasive pest in Indonesia and has been reported to spread throughout the provinces, including South Sulawesi. However, information on S. frugiperda damage in South Sulawesi was still limited. The purpose of this research is to determine how S. frugiperda affects corn plants in South Sulawesi’s potential agricultural climate zones, specifically the west, east, and transitional sectors. Surveys from October to December 2022 were carried out in three regencies representing each climate zone in South Sulawesi. The scouting method was used to conduct field observations on 50 plant samples at each location. Use a visual rating scale of 1 (no damage) to 5 (severe plant stunting and funnel damage) to determine the severity. The intensity of attack during the observation recorded the highest rate of attack in the transitional sector The highest attack rate was in the transitional sector (Luwu), with a total damage category and attack intensity of 48.7%, while the lowest was in the eastern sector (Wajo), with an attack intensity of 32.80%. The highest larval density was in the transitional sector (Luwu), with an average range of 0.04-0.52 larva/plant, while the lowest was in the western sector (Takalar), with an average range of 0.04-0.06 larva/plant. The infested corn plants in the all-climate zone in South Sulawesi showed various typical damages caused by S. frugiperda.