The occurrence of Spodoptera frugiperda attack on maize in West Pasaman District, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Maize [Zea mays] is the third most important cereal crop in Asian countries after rice and wheat. In Indonesia, maize is the second food crop after rice. One of the main problems in corn cultivation is pests. Spodoptera frugiperda [Lepidoptera: Noctuidae] is the major pest of maize and polyphagous insect pest attacking more than 80 crops. This study aims to determine the occurrence of heavy by the S. frugiperda in West Pasaman District, West Sumatra. The research method used in this study was a survey or sampling. The results showed that there was a severe attack of a new invasive pest, S. frugiperda on maize crops in West Pasaman. The attack rate of S. frugiperda in West Pasaman District was classified as high, reaching 100.00% at the age of 40 days after planting. Maize was severely damaged in the early stages phase vegetative of maize [approximately 40 days after planting], with 100% of maize infested and each plant was occupied by one until two medium or large larvae. Its means, the vegetative phase is a phase that is vulnerable to the S. frugiperda attack of maize. The high intensity of S. frugiperda attacks is also caused by several factors, like variety, spacing, types of plants around maize fields, and when farmers used pest and disease control techniques. Even a severe attack can cause the maize to fail to grow. This new invasive pest can threaten maize production in Indonesia. Therefore, further research is needed regarding this new invasive pest, S. frugiperda.