Abstract
The objective of this article is to review the knowledge on Spodoptera frugiperda and the possible management strategies against the pest to identify research areas for its integrated management. A review of the literature shows that S. frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has been causing considerable damage to maize and many other crops since its detection in several African countries and it is one of the most destructive pests to have entered Africa in the 21st century. Several control methods have been developed against this pest ranging from the use of synthetic plant protection products to agroecological and biological controls. The biology, distribution and control methods of the pest are well documented. However, Integrated Management of the pest remains a major challenge; the main control is chemical. Innovative research on biological and ecological control methods will help to overcome the constraints and promote sustainable management of the pest. Very few scientifically proven alternatives adapted to the African context exist. This gap needs to be filled by further research considering aspects such as the inventory of local natural enemies, the performance of key parasitoids and the potential of local entomopathogens for sustainable and integrated management of the pest. Key words: Spodoptera frugiperda, natural enemies, integrated management.
Highlights
Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a lepidopteran pest, native to the Americas, attacking more than 80 species of crops and has found its way to Africa causing much economic damage to crops especially maize (Prasanna et al, 2019)
Studies conducted in the United States at the Southern Insect Control Research Unit showed that S. frugiperda larvae fed on Bacillus thuringensis (Bt) maize hybrids expressing the Cry1Ab protein showed a decrease in weight within 5 days of observation (Anne-Marie, 2006)
The results showed a mortality rate ranging from 75 to 90% of the natural enemies after the application of these synthetic insecticides while the bioinsecticide had not induced any effect
Summary
Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a lepidopteran pest, native to the Americas, attacking more than 80 species of crops and has found its way to Africa causing much economic damage to crops especially maize (Prasanna et al, 2019). Tens of millions of smallholder farmers in Africa are affected by the pest as its host plants including Poaceae (maize, sorghum and millet) are all staple crops in Africa (Day et al, 2017). Spodoptera frugiperda is a major threat to food security and a serious problem from an economic and environmental perspective (Tambo et al, 2017). Since the invasion by the pest, much investment has been made in synthetic chemicals which use remains the main recourse of farmers (Kumela et al, 2018).
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