Integrating Entomopathogenic Fungi into Different Crop Management Practices for Fall Armyworm Management

Abstract

The study was carried out to identify crop management practices favouring entomopathogenic fungi of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith). An experiment was set up with 24 maize plots measuring 6 m x 5 m in Siaya, JOOUST Campus field during the September to December 2021 short rain season for identification of crop management practices favouring entomopathogenic fungi of fall armyworm. Morphological and Molecular characterization was done to estimate the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi offal armyworm larvae specimens from the treatment plots. Each plot was separated by 2 m occupied with Brachiaria CV Mulato to counter the possibility of fall armyworm migration from one treatment plot to another as recommended by the ICIPE’s fall armyworm push-pull technology. The results showed that weeding was statistically significant (0.044) on fall armyworm larvae collected while only 2 species of entomopathogenic fungi were isolated for this crop management practice. The case was different with intercropping, though not statistically significant, over 50% of the isolated species were from this management practice. This could mean that intercropping is likely to reduce FAW larvae infestation whilst increasing fungal activity. This study therefore concludes that the threat that S. frugiperda poses also calls for the need for the development and adoption of good crop management practices such as intercropping, adequate fertilization, and weeding