Management Of Fall Armyworm Research Articles

Evaluation on Integrated Method of Fall Army Worm Pest Management in Maize Hybrid in Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu, India

Maize (Zea mays L.) on farm trials were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Namakkal to assess the management modules against Fall Army Worm (FAW) in maize crop in terms of plant height, number of cob/ plant, cob length (cm), number of grain row/cob, 100 grain weight (g), grain yield, stalk yield and net return, first incidence of FAW days after sowing (no.), damage percentage, natural enemies occurrence (no./sq.m), number of adult moth trapped in sex pheromone trap per day per hectare during Kharif 2019 in Namakkal district. The treatment T6 followed is summer ploughing, seed treatment with Fortezaduo (Cyantraniliprole +Thiamethoxam) @ 4ml/kg, Border crop with grain sorghum as trap crop (advance sowing) and legume intercrop (cowpea) to promote natural enemies (few rows at interval), Collection and destruction of egg masses, installation of sex pheromone trap @ 10 numbers per hectare, Azadirachtin 10000 ppm @ 1 per cent spray at 10 to 15 days after sowing; spraying of Emmamectin Benzoate 5SG @ 0.4g/ litre on 24 days after sowing and Metarhizium anisophilae(1x107) @ 2 ml/ litre on 35 days after sowing and farmers practice on application of pesticides four to five times in crop period revealed that maize hybrid (NK 6240) recorded highest plant height of (105.7 and 194 cm) on 60 and 90 DAS, yield attributes viz., number of cobs per plant is 1.7; cob length is 14.4 cm; number of grain row/cob is 10.8; number of adult moth trapped in pheromone trap (1.3 number), natural enemies occurrence 3.2 number per m2, and found to be non significant in plant height and growth attributes of Maize followed by Treatment T4 and T5, whereas higher grain yield of 64.25 quintal ha-1 and Stalk yield of 94.8 tonnes ha-1, and first incidence of fall army worm larvae 17 days after sowing, lesser damage of fall army worm percentage (7.2%), were found to be significant as compared to farmers practice. The lesser plant height of 89 cm, 171.3 cm, number of cob/ plant 1.3, cob length 11.4 cm, number of grain row/ con is 8.5, and 100 grain weight is 19.1 gm and grain yield of 56.6 quintal ha-1, stalk yield of 61.5 quintal ha-1 and net return of Rs. 10550 /hand first incidence of FAW days after sowing on 11 days, and damage percentage of 11.4 % was recorded under treatment T7. Treatment T6 plot recorded higher net return of Rs.21,575/ ha, respectively by cultivating maize hybrid (NK 6240) as against the T7 with net return of Rs. 10, 550/- with higher damage of cob, respectively by cultivating Maize hybrid (NK 6240). Farmers were very satisfied with Maize hybrid (NK 6240), as crop find fewer incidences of fall army worm and higher return compared to other practices. Maize hybrid (NK 6240) followed under T6 recommended practices would be a better option for management of Fall Army Worm in kharif season in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cultural practices, insecticide application at different plant growth stages between seedling emergence and flowering on yield loss caused by FAW in maize.

Influence of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda egg mass scales and layers on the performance of three species of egg parasitoid Trichogramma with different ovipositor lengths

BackgroundThe fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly polyphagous and destructive pest of maize and other cereal crops. Biological control is a potential alternative to chemical insecticides used for the management of FAW in maize. Egg parasitoids are promising biocontrol agents as they kill the insect pest at their egg stage before it hatches, thus preventing the damaging larval stage. Trichogramma is widely used in augmentative biological control of FAW in native and invaded regions. However, FAW lay egg masses in layer by layer and eggs are covered with egg scales, this may affect the performance of Trichogramma parasitoids. Therefore, the parasitism potential of three Trichogramma species was studied on eggs with or without scales and layered eggs of FAW, further the impact of parasitoids ovipositor length on parasitism was also determined. This helps to understand the parasitism potential of parasitoids on different egg type for better implementation of biological control programs against FAW.ResultsThe effect of FAW egg mass with or without scales and layered eggs on the performance of Trichogramma chilonis, T. pretiosum and T. mwanzai was studied and results indicated that egg mass scales and the layered eggs were significantly affected the parasitism potential of Trichogramma species, but did not affect the parasitoid emergence. In general, T. chilonis parasitized a higher percentage of eggs with or without scales and layered eggs of FAW than the other two species. T. chilonis and T. mwanzai had a greater ovipositor length than T. pretiosum.ConclusionThe performance of evaluated Trichogramma species on FAW eggs with or without scales and layered eggs affected the parasitism success. The parasitism success of T. chilonis was comparably higher than other tested species. Hence, the scales on egg masses and layered eggs of FAW should be taken into account while selecting the Trichogramma species in the biological control of FAW.

Biology and management of fall army worm, Spodoptera frugiperda in maize crop at Karbi Anglong district of Assam

Biology and management of fall army worm, Spodoptera frugiperda in maize crop at Karbi Anglong district of Assam

A Modified Climate‐Smart Push‐Pull Technology for the Management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in the Semiarid Lands of Kenya

Successful use of push‐pull technology in the control of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith) in maize has been limited to areas that receive optimal rainfall as opposed to the semiarid areas. This study sought to determine the viability of a modified push‐pull technology designed for drier areas. The technology involved the use of the drought‐tolerant Brachiaria grass as a potential replacer of Napier grass as a pull crop, alongside drought‐tolerant green‐leaf Desmodium (Desmodium intortum) and edible legumes as push crops. The study was conducted in Mbeere South Subcounty in Embu County, Kenya. The experiments were laid out in split plots arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plots contained Napier and Brachiaria grasses as comparative pull crops while the subplots tested the performance of the drought‐tolerant green‐leaf Desmodium and edible legumes (cowpea, pigeon pea, and green gram) as push crops. A maize monocrop was used as the negative control. The pest dynamics were determined using the area under damage/pest curve (AUDPC). The highest pest incidence was observed in the maize monocrop treatments with AUDPC range of 64–65.5 as compared to the intercrop treatments with AUDPC range of 45–56. The AUDPC for damage severity ranged from 24 to 24.5 in the maize monocrop treatments and 15.5 to 18.7 in the intercrop treatments. These findings implied that the drought‐tolerant green‐leaf Desmodium and the edible legumes can be adopted as effective push crops in the modified push‐pull technology. Brachiaria and Napier grasses portrayed similar suitability as pull crops implying that the two can be used interchangeably as pull crops based on farmers’ preference. This study confirmed the viability of the modified climate‐smart push‐pull technology in the management of fall armyworm in dryland areas.

Effects of Biorational Approaches and Synthetic Pesticides on Fall Armyworm Management and Arthropod Diversity in Maize

Effects of Biorational Approaches and Synthetic Pesticides on Fall Armyworm Management and Arthropod Diversity in Maize

Efficacy of Different Pesticides against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under Laboratory Conditions in Rupandehi, Nepal

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a highly destructive pest recently reported in various Asian countries and originated in the subtropical regions of America. It was first recorded in Nepal on May 9, 2019. This invasive species poses a significant threat to maize production because it can undergo multiple generations, migrate, and feed on a wide range of host plants. A laboratory study was conducted with 3 categories of pesticides: conventional, newer, and bio‐rational. The study focused on evaluating the efficacy of these pesticides on the third‐instar larvae of S. frugiperda. The treatments included (1) newer chemical pesticides: spinosad 45% suspension concentrate (SC) (Tracer 1 ml/3 L of water), spinetoram 11.7% SC (Delegate 0.5 ml/L of water), chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (Allcora 1 ml/2.5 L of water), emamectin benzoate 5.7% water dispersible granules (WDG) (top killer 1 g/2.5 L), (2) conventional pesticide: chlorpyrifos 50% EC (Predator 2 ml/L), and (3) bio‐rational pesticides: Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki 0.5% wettable powder (WP) (Maharashtra 2gm/L), Metarhizium anisopliae 1.0% WP (Kalichakra 5 ml/L), Beauveria bassiana 2% AS (DamanL 5 ml/L), Azadirachta indica 4.5% (Neemix 5 ml/L), Syzygium aromaticum 100% v/v (Kanti herbal Clove oil 3 ml/L), and spinosad 45% SC (Tracer 0.3 ml/L). Fresh maize leaves were treated using the leaf dip method and then fed to 3rd instar larvae of FAW. The results revealed that spinetoram and spinosad caused 100% larval mortality within the first 24 hours after treatment. Similarly, spinosad (99.99%) and clove oil (76.64%) were the most effective bio‐rational pesticides followed by B. bassiana and B. thuringiensis. The newer and bio‐rational pesticides that showed high efficacy could be suggested for further study in farmers’ fields. They could be recommended for testing as a component of integrated pest management for effective management of FAW in Nepal.

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

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

Nature of Damage and its Management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiprda) on Maize Crop: A Review

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous pest which is arising as one of the major threats to agricultural crop production. It has around 80 host species that cause severe damage to cereals and vegetable crops. This pest was first discovered in Africa (2016) and first collected and reported in Madhya Pradesh at Research Farm RVSKVV, Gwalior of the August Month in2019-20. The S. frugiperda larval are found in newly leaves, leaves whorls, tasseling or cobs according to their growth stages. Scrape leaves, pin hole symptoms due to early larval stage and pane window symptoms whereas in the later vegetative stages due to larval of fall armyworm, damage results in skeletonized leaves and seriously windows whorls. Whereas weather condition for insects firm is good for pest could cause about 100% losses in maize crop but not control in the time.
 Normal investigation, push and pull method, light traps are used, common botanical pesticides are available of neem locally available materials of ash and several suggested chemical pesticides with dose can be used for the management of S. frugiperda. In present a vital requirement for development of eco-friendly environment, cost-effectively and collectively adopted IPM strategies to easily the impacts of the S. frugiperda.

In-vitro Study to Determine the Dose of Beauveria bassiana for Management of Spodoptera frugiperda

Pest insects known as fall army worm (Spodoptera frugiperda) can feed on over 80 different types of crops. It has the potential to significantly reduce the yields of major cereal crops including oats (Avena sativa L.). The oat crop is one of the preferred hosts of this pest. This fodder crop is directly used as animal feed so, chemical control of pests is not preferable. One of the alternatives for the management of fall army worm on fodder oats is the use of microbials which have some advantages over the use of chemical insecticides, as they are highly host specific with low environmental contamination. Beauveria bassiana is a fungus and can be used to control this pest. So, the present study was undertaken to standardize the dose of Beauveria bassiana for management of fall army worm. The virulence test was conducted against third instar larvae of S. frugiperda. The larvae were treated with three doses of B. bassiana of 1×1012spore/ml concentration i.e.,1, 2, and 3ml/L, by dipping them for 30 seconds in 10 ml of suspension. In case of control, larvae were treated with distilled water containing a drop of Tween- 80 (0.02%). At 24 hours after treatment, the differences in the mean larval mortality among different doses of B. bassiana were non-significant. However, at 48 and 72 hours after treatment, the differences in the mean larval mortality among different doses of B. bassiana were significant. Highest larval mortality was recorded at 48 and 72 hours after treatment in 3 ml/L (29.39 and 86.67%, respectively).

Exploring the association between social media and farmers' knowledge of a worldwide invasive agricultural pest, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Public education has profound effects on the management effectiveness of invasive alien species by shaping stakeholders' knowledge systems. However, our understanding of the association between social media and farmers' knowledge is lacking for the majority of invasive agricultural pests. In this study, we used the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, one of the most invasive insects globally, as a case to test the hypothesis that social media has a significant association with farmers' knowledge of FAW. To address this, we developed a theoretical framework, conducted extensive household questionnaires in the China-Myanmar-Laos border region (China), and used quantitative descriptions and binary logistic regressions in statistical analyses. Our results showed that (1) farmers frequently reported using 12 social media applications on smartphones (SMASs), and obtained FAW-relevant information from six of them, with high preferences for WeChat and TikTok, (2) farmers possessed a generally high level of knowledge of FAW which was significantly associated with their socio-demographic profiles, and (3) FAW-relevant information from SMASs was significantly associated with certain aspects of farmers' knowledge of FAW. We concluded that social media has a significant association with farmers' knowledge of FAW. We suggest that well-designed and -conducted educational programs based on the use of SMASs could help improve the management of FAW, and the Department of Agricultural Extension could play an important and necessary role. Our findings provide insights into this novel educational approach for the management of serious invasive agricultural pests. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Abundance, diversity and richness of natural enemies of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in Zambia.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, an invasive pest originating from the Americas is a serious pest threatening cereal production and food security in Zambia. We studied the prevalence and abundance of natural enemies of FAW in three Agroecological regions (AERs I, II, and III) to identify those that could potentially serve as bio-control agents. Sampling of FAW parasitoids and predators was done along trunk roads at intervals of 10 km. Molecular sequence analysis and morphological characterization were used to identify natural enemies. Over 11 species of FAW natural enemies, including egg, egg-larval, and larval parasitoids, and predators, were identified in Zambia. The mean number of natural enemies and species richness was higher in AER I and IIa. Consequently, egg parasitism was highest in those two regions, at 24.5% and 12.2%, respectively. Larvae parasitism was highest in AER I (4.8%) and AER III (1.9), although no significant differences were observed. The most abundant and widely distributed parasitoid was Drino sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae), while Rhynocoris segmentarius (Germar) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and Belanogaster sp. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) were the most prevalent predators. Our study reveals the presence of two natural enemies belonging to the genus Tiphia and Micromeriella, uncommon to FAW. Significant differences in the number of parasitoids were observed in polycropping, with the highest recovery of 12 ± 10% from maize + cowpeas + pumpkin and watermelon mixed cropping. The higher the rainfall, the lower the number of natural enemies recorded. Variations in rainfall patterns which affect FAW availability, cropping systems and the three AERs may explain natural enemies' species diversity in Zambia. The information provided in this study can aid the development of a national biological control programme for sustainable management of fall armyworm.

PESTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF CRUDE EXTRACTS OF ALOE SECUNDIFLORA,NICOTIANA TABACUM AND TEPROSIA VOGELII AGAINST FALL ARMYWORM (SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA)

The fall armyworm (FAW),Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a recent invasive pest species that has successfully established across sub-Saharan Africa. Management of FAW in its native range in the Americas has led to the development of resistance to many commercial pesticides before its arrival in Africa. Synthetic pesticides are often associated with issues such as pest resistance, persistent residue, non-target toxicity, and environmental issues. Therefore, the research and development of novel, safe, and effective pesticides has become a focus in pesticide discovery. Pesticide use may therefore be ineffective for FAW control in Africa, so new and more sustainable approaches to pest management are required that can help reduce the impact of FAW pest. Pesticidal plants provide an effective and established approach to pest management in African smallholder farming and recent research has shown that their use can be cost-beneficial and sustainable. In this study, crude leave extracts of three plants aloe secundiflora, nicotiana tabacum and teprosia vogelii were evaluated against fall armyworm (spodoptera frugiperda). Two different concentrations, 30mg/L and 15mg/L were evaluated in this study against second instar FAW larvae and eggs. The results indicated that these leave extracts caused a larval and egg mortalities of different levels. On average leave extracts of aloe secundiflora, teprosia vogelii and nicotiana tabacum caused larval mortalities of 80%, 63.33% and 93.33% respectively for 30mg/L concentrations while the average larval mortalities for aloe secundiflora, teprosia vogelii and nicotiana tabacum were 26.67%, 33.33% and 80.0% respectively for the 15mg/L concentrations. The egg mortalities were relatively low compared to larval mortalities for the two concentrations used in this study. On average the leave extracts of aloe secundiflora, teprosia vogelii and nicotiana tabacum caused the egg mortalities of 16.67%, 13.33% and 43.33% respectively when 30mg/L were used while the average egg mortalities for aloe secundiflora, teprosia vogelii and nicotiana tabacum were 3.33%, 0.0% and 26.67% respectively for the 15mg/L concentrations. It follows that nicotiana tabacum showed high larval and egg mortalities for both concentrations compared to the other two leave extracts and therefore good pesticide for the control FAW larvae and eggs.

Organic soil fertility management practices for the management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), in maize.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous pest native to the Americas. It attacks several crops but in particular causes significant damage to maize, which is a staple crop in Africa. Organic soil amendments have an impact on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, which enhance plant resistance to or tolerance of insect pests and also promote a diverse population of natural enemies of the pest. However, the practices followed for the management of crop residue and animal manure affect their use as organic soil amendments. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of maize residue and cattle manure incorporation into soil on FAW in the Mana and Omo Nada districts of the Jimma zone, southwest Ethiopia, during the 2018/19 cropping season. Treatment involved three factors: five different levels of maize residue retention (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), different cattle manure storage systems (control, open, steel roof, and grass roof), and two different districts (Mana and Omo Nada). These variables were organized in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The infestation and damage ratings were collected from 30 days after planting at 20-day intervals. The results indicated that maize plots with retained crop residue had a significant reduction in FAW infestation compared with plots without maize residue (control) in both study districts. Furthermore, manure-fertilized plants had a lower percentage of FAW infestation when compared with maize plots without cattle manure in both study districts. The lowest severity of FAW infestation was recorded in a plot with 100% of residue incorporated and treated with cattle manure stored under a grass roof in the Mana district. Therefore, conventional tillage with 100% maize residue incorporation and the application of cattle manure stored under a grass roof showed the best result for reducing FAW infestation in maize. However, further studies are important to determine the effect of treatments over seasons and locations on FAW infestation and maize yields.

Legume based Profitable Intercropping System for Management of Fall Armyworm in Maize

Background: Incidence of fall armyworm in maize has been reported at a severe level since 2018 resulting in low yield and in extreme cases complete failure of the crop. In view of undesirable effects of unilateral reliance on chemicals, greener avenues like intercropping needs to be explored, which promise to subside pests, as well as, provide higher income to cultivators. Method: Field experiment was conducted from 2019 to 2021consecutively for three years to investigate the consequences of intercropping with legumes viz., red gram (Cajanus cajan L.), black gram (Vigna mungo L.), green gram (Vigna radiata L. ), cowpea (Vigna unguiuculata L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and soybean(Glycine max L.) on incidence of fall armyworm in maize and the cost economics involved. Result: Among the different intercrops studied, maize+cowpea recorded significantly lowest mean per cent infested plants (45.0 per cent) at 75 days after sowing which was on par with maize+green gram (45.5 per cent). The next effective intercropping system was maize+black gram (55.7 per cent) followed by maize+red gram (58.2 per cent). Maize as a sole crop recorded the highest mean per cent infested plants (76.3 per cent) at 75 days after sowing. The system equivalent yield (SEY) of the intercropping systems under study ascertained that the maize+cowpea achieved highest SEY of 5230 kg per ha followed by maize+green gram (5160 kg per ha) followed by maize+black gram (4900 kg per ha). Upon comparison of the benefit cost ratio (BC ratio), the maize+cowpea proved to be the most profitable with BC ratio of 4.11 followed by maize+ green gram (4.05) followed by maize+black gram (3.85), whereas, sole maize recorded minimum BC ratio of 2.87.

Assessment of effectiveness of maize seed treated with cyantraniliprole and thiamethoxam for management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)

The effectiveness of maize seed treatments for management of fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) was evaluated under natural infestation conditions in Zambia in 2019, 2020 and 2022. Two seed treatments were tested: cyantraniliprole (Fortenza® 600 FS) + thiamethoxam (Cruiser® 600 FS) (combination marketed as Fortenza® Duo) and Fortenza® 600 FS. Other treatments included each of the two seed treatments supplemented with threshold-based rotational sprays of Denim Fit® 50 WG (emamectin benzoate + lufenuron) and Ampligo® (chlorantraniliprole + lambda cyhalothrin), Denim Fit/Ampligo alone, untreated controls, Ecoterex® 0.5% GR (deltamethrin + pirimiphos methyl) and Mythic® FN SC (chlorantraniliprole). The incidence of FAW-infested plants and plant damage scores were recorded weekly for 4–5 weeks post-emergence. At harvest, grain yield, yield increase over untreated control and cost-benefit ratios were also determined. Although there were some seasonal variations in treatment effectiveness, plots established from Fortenza Duo-treated seed generally had significantly lower plant damage within the first 3–5 weeks of growth. The number of follow-on insecticide sprays were reduced from 2 to 1 in February 2022 plantings in plots established from Fortenza Duo-treated seed. Grain yields were highest in the Denim Fit/Ampligo plots (December 2021 plantings) and Fortenza Duo + Denim Fit/Ampligo plots (December 2021 and February 2022 plantings). In both plantings of the 2021-22 season, mean yield increase over untreated control was highest in Fortenza Duo + Denim Fit/Ampligo plots. Cost-benefit ratios were, however, highest where Fortenza Duo-treated seed was planted without any follow-on chemical sprays and lowest and negative in sole Fortenza plots. Due to method of application and systemic action, Fortenza Duo maize seed treatments may be a perfect fit in FAW integrated pest management (IPM) programs where there is need for judicious pesticide use.

Assessment of Integrated Pest Management Modules against Fall Army Worm and Its Economic Impact in Maize

Aim: The present study was undertaken to assess the IPM modules and their economic impact against Fall Armyworm in maize through on farm trail (OFT).
 Place and Duration of Study: The present study was carried out in the farmers’ fields of Bhadradri Kothagudem district of Telangana during Rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22.
 Methodology: The main objective of on farm trail is to test and evaluate the findings of the research stations at the farmer's field and to refine and modify the technologies, if required for better adoption by farmers. The KVK, Bhadradri Kothagudem conducted on farm trail for the management of fall armyworm in maize during Rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22, as part of technical programme of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhadradri Kothagudem in KVK operational area of adopted villages.
 Results: In technology assessment plot (On farm trail) the treatments followed were avoiding staggered sowing of maize, installation of pheromone traps @ 8-10 per acre, clean cultivation, balanced application of fertilizers, erection of bird perches @10/acre, spraying of Azadiractin (1500ppm) to repel the egg laying and need based whorl application of Emamectin benzoate @ 0.5g/l and Metarrhizium anisopliae @ 5g/l of water, if more than8 adult moths were trapped in the pheromone trap for three consecutive days. It was compared with the farmers practice plots i.e application of Carbofuran 3G granules @ 3kg/acre and indiscriminate usage of fertilizers and insecticides. The experiment was conducted in five locations. The benefit cost ratio (BC Ratio) was higher in technology assessed plots with 2.78, 2.63 and 2.75 whereas BC ratio was comparatively lower in farmers practice plots with 2.43, 2:21 and 2.25 in corresponding Rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively. 
 Conclusion: Technology assessed package proved its effectiveness among maize farmers with increased net returns, lower per cent of FAW incidence and high yield and BC ratio compared to the farmers practiceduring Rabi 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. Hence, this on farm trial proved to be feasible for demonstration in wide scale to farming community of Bhadradri Kothagudem district.

Implementation of Fall Armyworm Management Plan in Ghana

Abstract Fall armyworm (FAW), an invasive pest, was confirmed in Ghana in 2016. As a result, a group of stakeholders developed a national FAW management plan. This case considers a review of the management plan conducted through outcome harvesting, a Sprockler (story-based) inquiry, and interviews with key informants. The review found evidence of stakeholder collaboration, increased public awareness of FAW and management practices, and more coordinated research into low-risk management options. It also found that the formal taskforce structure, common goals and ownership, effective collaboration and communication, and a commitment to implementing the action plan by all actors were the key factors in the FAW response. Challenges included a slow initial response, inadequate funds, and limitations in the agricultural extension system. Key steps to ensure future preparedness include implementation of the National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP), establishment of a standing taskforce and emergency fund to address new pest outbreaks, improved monitoring and surveillance especially at borders and ports of entry, strengthened research capacity, especially in pest risk analyses, involvement of all stakeholders at central and local levels, and development of generic and specific emergency response guidelines for future outbreaks. Information © CAB International 2023

Genetic Diversity of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In 2016, the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, invaded western Africa and rapidly spread in sub-Saharan Africa, causing significant losses in yields of corn, a major food crop in Africa. Although the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a large corn-growing country, the impact of FAW has not been investigated. This study was designed to expand investigations on the genetic diversity of FAW populations in the DRC. We collected FAW individuals from eight provinces across the country, for analysis of genetic variation. Based on the partial sequences of both mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and nuclear triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi) genes, we compared polymorphic features of the COI haplotype and Tpi single nucleotide polymorphisms. The results revealed that most (84%) of the analyzed individuals were heterogeneous hybrids Tpi-corn/COI-rice (Tpi-C/COI-R), whereas 16% were homogenous Tpi-corn/COI-corn (Tpi-C/COI-C). Further analysis of the fourth exon/intron sequences of the Tpi gene identified two subgroups, TpiCa1 and TpiCa2, constituting 80% and 20%, respectively, of the collected individuals. Analysis of genetic variation among native and invasive populations indicated significant genetic differences (10.94%) between the native American and DRC populations, whereas both the DRC and African populations were genetically closer to Asian than American populations. This study provides important information on FAW genetic diversity in the DRC, which can be used for effective management of FAW.

Management of Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith Using Recycled Virus Inoculum from Larvae Treated with Baculovirus under Field Conditions.

Fall armyworm (FAW) is a major pest of maize and causes huge losses. Chemical pesticides are the commonly used control strategy among farmers. The efficacy of baculoviruses against FAW has been proven; however, farmers may not be able to afford the products. The use of farmer-produced baculovirus mixtures could provide an opportunity for a nature-based solution for FAW at a low cost. This study evaluated the potential of recycled virus inoculum from FAW larvae treated with a commercial baculovirus (Littovir) for the management of FAW under laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory, the virus from 25, 50, 75 and 100 FAW larvae caused variable mortality among FAW instars. The highest mortality (45%) among 1st-3rd instars was caused by Littovir followed by recycled virus inoculum from 100 FAW larvae (36%). Under field conditions, even though recycled virus inoculum did not offer adequate protection against FAW damage, the maize yield was comparable to that of commercial insecticide-treated plots and similar to that of control plots. This study has shown the potential use of recycled virus inoculum from infected larvae for the management of FAW. This would offer the farmers a sustainable and affordable option for the management of FAW as it would require the farmers to purchase the commercial baculovirus once and collect larvae from treated plots for repeat applications.

Companion crops alter olfactory responses of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and its larval endoparasitoid (Cotesia icipe)

BackgroundThe fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a devastating invasive pest and a threat to food security in Africa, with yield losses of 20–50%. Recent studies highlighted the importance of cereal crops such as maize and sorghum as the most preferred host plants for FAW oviposition. In the current work, we investigated the olfactory responses of FAW and its key larval endoparasitoid Cotesia icipe to odours from the preferred host (maize) in the presence of six potential companion crops including beans, groundnut, sweet potato, greenleaf- and silverleaf desmodium, and cassava. We hypothesized that odours released by companion crops in maize-based intercropping systems would alter host preferences of FAW for oviposition and its parasitoid responses.ResultsIn dual choice oviposition bioassays, FAW laid significantly more eggs on maize than on the other plants. However, in the multiple-choice bioassays, significantly fewer eggs were laid on maize when companion plants were present except cassava. While wind tunnel bioassays confirmed the differential behavioural responses of FAW, we found that its larval endoparasitoid C. icipe was attracted to volatiles from the companion plants tested individually and/or when they were combined with maize. Coupled gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis detected several potential behaviour-modifying compounds including (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, (E)-β-ocimene, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, (E)-β-caryophyllene, camphor, methyl salicylate and (E, E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene.ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence supporting diversified maize cropping system could reduce FAW damage by repelling the pest while simultaneously recruiting its natural enemies. Hence, diversifying cereal cropping system with companion crops could serve as an ecologically sustainable FAW management strategy.Graphical