Incidence and ecofriendly management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Chitrakoot, Satna (MP) India

Indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides is likely to give rise to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) resistance and environmental pollution which may result in poisoning of human. In view of these, there is need to develop naturally occurring insecticides which may be less toxic to man and animals but as effective against fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) of various cereals as synthetic insecticides. Field research was carried out in the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University of Technology, Minna to evaluate the effect of Jatropha oil on the management of fall armyworm. The experiment was arranged in Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates and six varieties. 45 ml/ L of Jatropha oil was applied every week for four weeks using Knapsack sprayer. Data on severity of fall armyworm infestation, plant height, stem diameter, number of ears, number of rotten ears, fresh and dry cob weight and grain yield were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) the means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results indicated that OPV maize variety recorded the highest grain yield while Oba super 6 demonstrated a tolerance against the infestation of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Therefore, farmers could plant OPV maize variety for its high grain yield and Oba super 6 for its tolerant against the infestation of fall armyworm.

The effectiveness of various newer insecticides against fall armyworm was assessed. The different treatments were spray viz., flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, neem seed kernel extract, Bacillus thuringiensis and control. The overall mean of the two sprays revealed that the most effective treatment was chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC recorded the lowest larval population followed by emamectin benzoate 5% SG, Flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, neem seed kernel extract. During the yield observation, it was observed that a significantly higher yield was obtained in chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC treated plots which is followed by emamectin benzoate 5% SG, flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and NSKE 5 %. Maximum percentage increase in yield over control was obtained from chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC treated plots which are followed by emamectin benzoate 5% SG, flubendiamide 39.35 % SC, Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and NSKE 5 %. The economics of various treatments based on net profit and cost of plant protection revealed that the highest cost: benefit ratio was observed in plot treated with emamectin benzoate 5% SG followed by Beauveria bassiana, chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, Bacillus thuringiensis, NSKE, Metarhizium anisopliae, flubendiamide 39.35 % SC.

South Africa experienced major outbreaks of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), causing direct damage by feeding on both vegetative and reproductive parts of host plant. The study was conducted to determine the level of impact of fall armyworm on small-scale maize famers after the outbreak of fall armyworm and their control strategies at Ga-Mashashane and Mankweng villages in the Limpopo province. Semi-structured questionnaire was designed to gather information on the damage caused by fall armyworm, economic impact on the local market and control measures on fall armyworm. Using a snowball sampling procedure, 63 small-scale maize farmers from the two villages of the Limpopo province, South Africa, were randomly selected for this study. The results showed that all participants could correctly identify the fall armyworm and reported it as the most important maize pest during 2016–2017 cropping season. The maize yield loss experienced by affected farmers in the 2016–2017 cropping season was slightly lower as compared with the 2015–2016 harvest. These farmers used pesticides as a control measure for fall armyworm. Fall armyworm has become a major pest in South Africa and the tackling of fall armyworm by small-scale farmers and averting yield losses is thus critical. This study contributes to the knowledge on fall armyworm management by small-scale farmers, which is essential to enhancing food security.

Cassia angustifolia Vahl. is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Leguminaceae. Like other plants, medicinal plants too have to bear the attack of injurious insect pests. Extensive monitoring and development of eco-friendly pest management practices are essential in the production of high quality, pesticide residue free produces. Results of field experiments revealed that among the treatments, foliar application of chlorpyriphos 20 EC (standard check) @ 1.0 L/ha was significantly superior over all other treatments, recording the lowest number of pod borer and the untreated control was significantly inferior, recording maximum number of pod borers per plant. Among the biopesticides tested, neem seed kernel extract 5 per cent showed maximum efficacy with the least number of pod borer per plant, followed by neem oil 3 per cent, Bacillus thuringiensis @ 750g/ha and Beauveria bassiana @ 2 kg/ha, which were statistically on par in their efficacy. Results on the efficacy of biopesticides on pod damage revealed that Bacillus thuringiensis @ 750 g/ha showed promising efficacy with the minimum pod damage at 14 DAT, followed by neem seed kernel extract 5 per cent. Regarding yield, neem seed kernel extract 5 per cent treated plots recorded maximum leaf and pod (dry) yield followed by neem oil 3 per cent and Bacillus thuringiensis @ 750 g/ha. Hence, neem seed kernel extract 5 per cent can be recommended as suitable biopesticide for the management of pod borer, Etiella zinckenella infesting senna, C. angustifolia. Keywords: Cassia angustifolia, Pod borer, Etiella zinckenella, Bio-pesticides, Yield

A comprehensive field experiment was executed at the Department of Entomology, RVSKVV, College of Agriculture, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, during the Kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019 to investigate the comparative efficacy of diverse biopesticidal formulations in the management of shoot and fruit borer (Earias vittella) infestation in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The experimental design was a Randomized Block Design composed of eight distinct treatments: Beauveria bassiana at 0.5kg/ha, Verticillium lecanii at 1.0kg/ha, neem oil 5% at 2.5L/ha, neem leaf extract 5% at 25kg/ha, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) 5% at 25kg/ha, garlic clove extract 5% at 25kg/ha, and Panchgavya 3% at 15L/ha. Empirical data robustly indicated that all biopesticidal interventions were efficacious in mitigating shoot damage relative to untreated controls. Across all treated plots, the proportion of shoots damaged ranged from 0.89–2.62%, which is appreciably lower compared to 2.72% in the untreated controls. The highest reduction in shoot damage was attributed to NSKE 5% (0.89%), closely followed by B. bassiana, whereas Panchgavya 3% exhibited the highest shoot damage among the biopesticidal treatments (2.62%). Analytical computations revealed a percent reduction in shoot damage between 3.7% and 67.3% depending on the biopesticidal intervention. Assessment of fruit damage, evaluated on both weight and numerical basis, mirrored these findings. NSKE 5% conferred minimal fruit damage (3.07% by weight, 3.32% by number), followed sequentially by B. bassiana, V. lecanii and neem oil 5%. Conversely, the maximum fruit damage among all treated plots was associated with Panchgavya 3% (7.03% by weight, 7.38% by number). Untreated plots experienced fruit damage rates substantially higher (10.09% by weight, 10.74% by number). The application of biopesticides led to a reduction in fruit damage by 30.3–69.7% (weight) and 31.3–69.1% (number) across treatments. Yield assessments demonstrated that NSKE 5% augmented fruit yield maximally (119.56q/ha), succeeded by B. bassiana and neem oil 5%. In contrast, the lowest fruit yield was found in plots treated with Panchgavya 3% for both years. Economic analyses highlighted B. bassiana as the most profitable intervention, yielding the highest net profit (₹27,128/ha), followed by NSKE 5% (₹25,938/ha), along with the maximal benefit-cost ratio for B. bassiana (1:14.13), then V. lecanii (1:8.36), NSKE 5% (1:8.11) and garlic clove extract 5% (1:6.78).In summation, the study distinctly substantiates the high efficacy of select biopesticides - particularly NSKE 5%, B. bassiana and neem oil 5% - in curtailing shoot and fruit borer damage, enhancing fruit yield, and improving economic returns. These results highlight the strategic merit and sustainability of integrating these biopesticidal agents into pest management protocols for okra cultivation in Madhya Pradesh, offering an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional chemical pesticides.

Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) is a serious pest of Brassica crops in the North-Western region of India, inflicting crop yield losses. Therefore, the present study was conducted on seasonal incidence and management of B. hilaris in Brassica juncea genotype RH 725 at farmer’s field, Kolana village, Aravalli Hills Region, Rewari, Haryana, India during Rabi, 2019-20 and 2020-21. This study laid out the trial in a randomized block design with three replications and six treatments viz., Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) @ 7%, Nimbecidine @ 0.03%, Neem oil @ 5%, NSKE @ 5%, Neem oil @ 7% and control (unsprayed). Observations on the incidence of B. hilaris showed that it appeared from 5th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) (0.34 bugs plant-1) and attained peak during 10th SMW with 5.77 bugs plant-1. The incidence of B. hilaris exhibited significant positive correlation with maximum (r=0.852, p<0.05) and minimum (r=0.900, p<0.05) temperature, rainfall (r=0.763, p<0.05) and wind velocity (r=0.959, p<0.05). Spray of Neem oil @ 7% (83.01 %) was the most effective in reducing the B. hilaris population over control followed by NSKE @ 7% (81.48 %), while NSKE @ 5% (68.85 %) confirmed least effective. Seed yield in different treatments varied from 1440.5 kg ha-1 (NSKE @ 5%) to 1590 kg ha-1 (Neem oil @ 7%) against 1216 kg ha-1 in control. The highest incremental cost-benefit ratio was registered with NSKE @ 7% (1: 7.70) followed by Nimbecidine @ 0.03% (1: 7.41) and NSKE @ 5% (1: 6.25). The present investigation signified that the study on the seasonal incidence of B. hilaris in relation to weather parameters could provide information for planning pest control and management strategies. The botanicals could be used as eco-friendly and economical substitutes for chemical insecticides at farmer’s fields against this insect pest.

The field experiment was carried out during Kharif season of 2023 at the Organic Research Farm Karguaji, Department of Entomology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University Jhansi (U.P.). Nine treatments were tested: neem oil, garlic bulb extract, Bacillus thuringiensis, karanj oil, panchgavya, neem seed kernel extract (NSKE), Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and a control, under a randomized block design. Three sprays of treatments were applied. The results showed that neem oil at 2 ml/L resulted in the minimum shoot damage (7.82%), followed by Bacillus thuringiensis at 5 gm/L and NSKE at 5 ml/L. To manage fruit infestation caused by brinjal fruit and shoot borer, Bacillus thuringiensis and neem oil were themost effective treatments, followed by Beauvaria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The maximum yield and highest cost benefit ratio were found with Bacillus thuringiensis (1:3.15), followed by Metarhizium anisopliae (1:3.07) and Beauveria bassiana (1:3.04).

A field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of spray frequency and application rates of Agro-lambacin (Agro-lambacin Super 315 EC, containing profenfos 30% and lambda-cyhalothrin 1.5%) insecticide on the management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Sorghum. The study evaluated foliar application rates of 0.2 L ha⁻1, 0.4 L ha⁻1, and 0.6 L ha⁻1, with application frequencies of once, twice, and thrice, alongside an untreated control. This was carried out at the Sirinka and Kobo sites using a randomized complete block design with three replications during the main cropping season of 2020 (July to November). Fall armyworm (FAW) larval infestation, foliar damage, Sorghum head weight, and overall yield were recorded. Results indicated significant variations across treatments. Notably, the three-time application of 0.6 L ha⁻1 and 0.4 L ha⁻1 consistently resulted in lower mean larval populations per plant and reduced foliar damage throughout the cropping season. These treatments also yielded higher grain yield, with percentage yield increases of 29.47% and 20.76%, respectively, compared to the untreated control at Kobo. In contrast, while treatment effects were evident at Sirinka during the spray regimes, the yield did not reflect this due to ongoing infestations after the completion of the spray applications. Therefore, a three-times application of Agro-lambacin, starting approximately 22 days after planting at ten-day intervals, using the manufacturer's recommended rate of 0.4 L ha⁻1 or an increased rate of 0.6 L ha⁻1, is deemed effective and economically viable for Kobo and similar areas. However, for Sirinka, further research is necessary to explore the optimal spray sequence or total number of applications required for effective management of FAW in Sorghum.

This study investigated maize farmers’ knowledge, control methods, and perception of the invasive and highly destructive insect pest, fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in southwest Nigeria. A four-stage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 195 maize farmers in the study area. Data were obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire and analysed using percentages, means, standard deviations, and chi-square test. The majority (88.7%) of respondents observed fall armyworm attack within two months after sowing, only 30.8% of them reported total damage to maize plants by fall armyworm. Most (75.9%) of the respondents could describe the destructive larval stage of fall armyworm, 58.5% of respondents exclusively applied synthetic insecticides for fall armyworm management. The most common insecticides used by respondents were organophosphates (37.2%), pyrethroids (29.0%) and avermectins (18.2%). Perception of fall armyworm damage as a serious and worrisome problem was very high (4.82) amongst maize farmers. Strong and significant association (χ2 = 41.3) was found between farmers’ agroecological zones and the severity of fall armyworm damage reported. Integrated pest management approach is a sustainable alternative to the sole use of insecticides and should be promoted. Information provided in the study will enhance decision-making for fall armyworm management interventions in southwest Nigeria.

The Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) has high capacity of biological and ecological adaptation. Fall Armyworm (FAW) can survive on more than 80 plant species, including maize. An attempt made to know the knowledge and factors influencing knowledge of maize farmers on FAW incidence in Davanagere and Shivamogga district of Karnataka in India. The findings of the study revealed that, majority of the farmers in Davanagere district had medium (57.50 %) to high (23.75 %) level of knowledge. whereas knowledge of farmers in Shivamogga district, 43.75 percent had medium knowledge followed by high (28.75 %). When it comes to overall knowledge level of the farmers nearly half of the farmers had medium (44.33 %) level of knowledge and one third of the farmers (33.75 %) had high level of knowledge on FAW. Knowledge index reveal that, FAW activity in different seasons and time was known to 81.09 percent, followed by knowledge about the identification and biology of FAW (49.37%), damaging symptoms of FAW (48.48 %) and Infestation of FAW at different stages of crop growth (47.50 %). Fewer farmers know about Management of Fall Armyworm (24.08 %) Therefore universities should give recent information about knowledge of FAW and imparts skill amongst farmers through trainings and method demonstration. Also, State Agriculture Department should promote and start Farmers Field School (FFS) regarding FAW on Maize.

Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major pest of maize which is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and is the key insect pest of maize in tropical region. The Fall Army Worm (FAW) was first noticed in the Indian subcontinent at Bangalore and Chikkaballapur districts during May and June 2018 and South Karnataka during the first fortnight of July 2018. Since then, it has spread to different states of India on maize. Due to its migratory behavior, wide host range, high reproductive capacity, and the absence of diapause in tropical climate it is capable of damaging crops to a serious extent and may accelerate expansion of its geographical range within the country. It causes damage up to 30 per cent yield reduction in maize crop in 10 states of India. In the context of its economic importance and destruc-tive nature, their identification, biology and life cycle, nature of damage, extent of yield loss, and management through cultural practices, mechanical, botanicals, biological and synthetic pesticides have been reviewed in detail in the present manuscript. Early planting and intercropping with nonhost crops are essential cultural practices to reduce pest incidence. Several plant species (botanicals) have shown insecticidal properties against FAW. It is therefore necessary to create awareness about the pest and its management options which is ecologically sustainable, economically profitable and socially acceptable to mitigate the impact of the fall armyworm in India.

Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan. However, the recent threat to cash crops of Pakistan is fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). The farmers used various types of insecticides for the effective management of fall armyworm. Due to the environmental hazards associated with the pesticides, it is necessary to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and develop novel strategies for the management of insect pests especially fall armyworm. The diseases caused by fungi in insects commonly; reduce populations significantly, demonstrating that bio-insecticides may be a viable option for solving the problems of insect pests in agriculture. Among the fungi used as biological insecticides Metarhizium anisopliae has been widely used. Therefore, the current research study was conducted to manage the fall armyworm using Metarhizium anisopliae. The fungus was cultured under lab conditions and various concentrations were prepared. The four concentrations with three replications were applied on the larval or pupal stages of fall armyworm by using dip and foliar application methods. The mortality was recorded after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of application. The data were arranged and analyzed using suitable statistical software. The homogenous mean was analysed using Tuckey HSD (p<0.05). The results showed that the higher concentration of M. anisopliae was more effective as compared to lower concentrations both in lab and field conditions. The highest percentage mortality of 3rd, 4th, 5th and late instar larvae of fall armyworm was recorded as 98.663±0.66, 93.550±0.22, 87.333±0.14 and 84.440±0.11 %, respectively, after the treatment of 1×108 conidia/ml and 12 days of exposure period. After 12 days the maximum reduction in FAW population was recorded (0.500±0.28 larvae/five plants) by the treatment of EPF (1×108 conidia/ml) after 12 days of exposure, which was significantly different form other treatments. The minimum reduction of fall armyworm larvae was recorded (3.00±1.22 larvae/ five plants) after the treatment of EPF at 1×106 conidia/ml. In conclusion, the Metarhizium anisopliae considered as ecofriendly approach to manage the fall armyworm in maize crop and can be used in integrated pest management programs.

Transgenic crops expressing Cry and Vip3Aa insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis are a primary tool for controlling fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) populations. The evolution of resistance to Cry proteins in the native range of the fall armyworm has increased reliance and intensified the selection of resistance to Vip3Aa. In this study, we identified mechanisms of resistance to Vip3Aa in the LA-RR strain of S. frugiperda originating from Louisiana (USA). Midgut epithelial damage in susceptible larvae was evidenced by a significant drop in midgut pH after feeding on either Vip3Aa protoxin or activated toxin. In contrast, this midgut pH drop was only detected for activated Vip3Aa toxin in LA-RR larvae. Midgut fluids from LA-RR larvae displayed delayed processing of Vip3Aa protoxin when compared to fluids from susceptible larvae, and this slower processing was associated with reduced activity and expression of trypsin and chymotrypsin enzyme genes in the LA-RR strain. In bioassays, LA-RR larvae were significantly more susceptible to Vip3Aa protoxin pre-processed by midgut fluids from susceptible than from LA-RR larvae. In addition, midgut brush border membrane vesicles from LA-RR larvae exhibited lower specific Vip3Aa toxin binding than vesicles from the susceptible strain. The results of this study support that both slower proteolytic processing and reduced specific binding are associated with resistance to Vip3Aa in a S. frugiperda strain from the Western hemisphere, the native range of this pest. This information increases our understanding of resistance to Vip3Aa and advances monitoring and fall armyworm management. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Simple SummaryThe fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a long-distance migratory insect pest, and the invaded range of its recent expansion includes regions colder than the tropical and subtropical regions in East Asia. Adaptation to freezing and/or chilling injury during winter is required for the successful invasion and subsequent localization of newly invaded species. The mechanisms of injury caused by low temperatures are classified into three types (freezing, cold shock, and indirect chilling), and our study shows that indirect chilling injury, which is caused by the long-term exposure of insects to moderately low temperatures (3 to 15 °C), is most important for the survival of S. frugiperda during the winter. Adult S. frugiperd were more tolerant to moderately low temperatures than the larvae and pupae, but survival decreased significantly when adult S. frugiperd were exposed to temperatures of 9 °C or lower. Survival was improved by short-term daily exposure to higher temperatures, indicating the existence of a repair process for indirect chilling injury in S. frugiperd. These findings on indirect chilling injury and the repair process will improve the estimation of the potential distribution of S. frugiperd in temperate and colder regions.The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is a long-distance migratory insect pest, and the invaded range of its recent expansion includes regions colder than the tropical and subtropical regions in East Asia. In order to understand the potential distribution of S. frugiperd in temperate and colder regions, we quantified the effects of temperature and exposure duration on the degree of indirect chilling injury caused to S. frugiperd under laboratory conditions. The adults were more tolerant to moderately low temperatures (3 to 15 °C) than the larvae and pupae. Survival decreased significantly when adult S. frugiperd were exposed to temperatures of 9 °C or lower. A time–temperature model suggested that indirect chilling injury began occurring at 15 °C. Survival was improved by short-term daily exposure to higher temperatures, indicating the existence of a repair mechanism for indirect chilling injury in S. frugiperd. The degree of repair depended on the temperature, but the relationship was not a simple direct proportion. These findings on indirect chilling injury and repair will improve the estimation of the potential distribution of S. frugiperd in temperate and colder regions.

Influence of three insecticides targeting GABA receptor on fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda: Analyses from individual, biochemical and molecular levels