EFFECT OF DIFFERENT METHODS OF APPLYING INSECTICIDAL TREATMENTS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FALL ARMYWORM (SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA) IN DANG, NEPAL

Abstract

Fall Armyworm is an invasive pest causing damage to more than eighty plant species which mainly prefers maize. It damages maize leaf as well as whorl resulting in yield reduction. An experiment was carried out using different methods of applying insecticidal treatments for the management of fall armyworm. The experiment was laid in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and eight treatments. The treatments included Spinosad @0.3ml/L normal spray, Spinosad – whorl treatment, Spinetoram @0.75ml/L – normal spray, Spinetoram – whorl treatment, Emamectin benzoate @0.4gm/L normal spray, Emamectin benzoate – whorl treatment, Azadirachtin – whorl treatment, Azadirachtin @3ml/L normal spray (Check). Total of three sprays were applied at 15 days interval and whorl treatments were applied at 15 days. Damage percentage was recorded from four rows in each plot excluding two outer rows. The observed measurements was statistically analyzed and presented. Results revealed that highest damage percentage (40.02, 38.20 and 29.29) was recorded with Azadirachtin-normal spray(3ml/L) and lowest damage percentage (23.02, 19.37 and 11.66) was recorded with Spinosad normal spray at three different scouting after each insecticidal treatment. As there is less amount insecticide applied through whorl treatment, whorl treatments are suggested to be more environmentally friendly. However, with highest (3.07) benefit cost ratio, most economic method was found to be normal spray of Emamectin benzoate (0.4gm/L).