Electrophysiological and behavioural responses of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda: A potential phytovolatile technology for its management

Abstract

The fall armyworm (FAW), scientifically known as Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae), is an invasive and polyphagous pest associated with maize (Zea mays L.). An experiment was conducted during 2020–21 at South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Oluvil, Sri Lanka and the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka Lunuwila, Sri Lanka to investigate the olfactory perception of 22 host plant volatiles by electroantennogram (EAG) and behavioural assays for males, virgin and mated females of FAW. The findings indicated that trans-2-Hexen-1-ol, Benzaldehyde, Nonanoic acid, cis-3-Hexen-1-ol, and 4-Phenyl-2-butanone elicited elevated EAG responses in FAW antennae. Additionally, β-Citronellol and ethyl butyrate elicited amplified responses specifically in mated females and males, respectively. Dose-response study revealed that the observed responses remained statistically non-significant (P>0.05), regardless gender or physiological condition of females across the 1%, 5%, 10% and 15% dose intervals. In behavioural study, observed that 1% Benzaldehyde attracted a substantial number of moths to the treatment side for both virgin and mated females, whereas 1% β-Citronellol displayed repellent properties specifically for mated females of FAW. Therefore, these findings suggest that volatile plant compounds may serve as a theoretical basis for devising novel control strategies for FAW. This includes the potential development of attractants, repellents, and mass capture killers effective for both males and females of FAW, in addition to the currently used female sex pheromone.