Integrated Control of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Using Resistant Plants and Entomopathogenic Nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae)

Abstract Invasive species are a major danger to agronomic and natural ecosystems, and due to environmental concerns about pesticide use, EPNs have the potential to replace larvicidal action in pest management. The goal was to see how well local isolates of Steinernema feltiae (HR1) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HR2) controlled invasive species when combined with low-toxicity pesticides. HR1 + Spinosad, chlorantraniliprole produced over 90% mortality in larvae at 96 hours, while HR2 + Spinosad, chlorantraniliprole caused over 95% mortality at 96 hours. After treatment, the high dose was regarded the least hazardous technique for controlling fall armyworm. At the high dose, HR1 + Spinosad, chlorantraniliprole produced larvae death of over 100 percent at 96 hours, and HR2 + Spinosad, chlorantraniliprole caused mortality of over 97.50 percent at 96 hours, and should be considered as a least hazardous strategy for T. absoluta management. Controlling larvae mortality of above 100% at 96 hours in combination with low-toxicity insecticide dosages should be included as a least harmful technique to control T. absoluta. The results showed that these HR2 strains have high pathogenicity against T. absoluta and S. frugiperda and have potential for control in integrated approaches, causing 100 percent and 90.00 percent mortality of T. absoluta and S. frugiperda at 96 hours at the high dose as a least toxic strategy to control.

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Additive interactions of some reduced-risk biocides and two entomopathogenic nematodes suggest implications for integrated control of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-79725-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rashad Rasool Khan ◽

Muhammad Arshad ◽

Asad Aslam ◽

Muhammad Arshad

Keyword(s):

Entomopathogenic Nematodes ◽

Integrated Control ◽

Positive Control ◽

Emamectin Benzoate ◽

Chi Square ◽

Insecticide Mixtures ◽

Resistant Strains ◽

Additive Interactions ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae ◽

Reduced Risk

AbstractHigher volumes of conventional and novel chemical insecticides are applied by farmers to control resistant strains of armyworm (Spodoperta litura) in Pakistan without knowing their risks to the environment and to public health. Ten reduced-risk insecticides were tested for their compatibility with two entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs); Heterorhabditis indica and Steinernema carpocapsae against S. litura. The insecticide emamectin benzoate was highly toxic (LC50 = 2.97 mg/l) against 3rd instar S. litura larvae when applied alone whereas, novaluron and methoxyfenozide were the least toxic (LC50 = 29.56 mg/l and 21.06 mg/l), respectively. All the insecticides proved harmless against the two EPNs even 96 h after treatment. Indoxacarb, flubendiamide and spinetoram produced the greatest mortalities (72–76%) of S. litura larvae after 72 h when applied in mixtures with H. indica. Lowest mortalities (44.00 ± 3.74% and 48.00 ± 2.89) were observed for mixtures of H. indica with methoxyfenozide and chlorfenapyr, respectively. The positive control treatments with both EPNs (S. carpocapsae and H. indica) produced > 50% mortality 96 h after treatment. For insecticide mixtures with S. carpocapsae, only indoxacarb produced 90% mortality of larvae, whereas, indoxacarb, flubendiamide, emamectin benzoate, and spinetoram produced 90–92% mortality of larvae when applied in mixtures with H. indica. Additive interactions (Chi-square < 3.84) of EPN mixtures with reduced volumes of reduced-risk insecticides suggest opportunities to develop more environmentally favorable pest management programs for S. litura.

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Efficacy of Thai indigenous entomopathogenic nematodes for controlling fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) (J. E. Smith)(Lepidoptera; Noctuidae)

Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control ◽

10.1186/s41938-021-00497-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wandee Wattanachaiyingcharoen ◽

Ongpo Lepcha ◽

Apichat Vitta ◽

Det Wattanachaiyingcharoen

Keyword(s):

Mortality Rate ◽

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Entomopathogenic Nematodes ◽

Biological Control Agent ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Mortality Rates ◽

Control Agent ◽

Larval Instars ◽

Sensitive Stage ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Abstract Background Under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, the virulence of 2 isolates of Thai indigenous entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in controlling the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae), was demonstrated. Six EPNs dosages were tested against 2 larval instars of FAW under the laboratory conditions, while 2 different concentrations were tested under the greenhouse conditions. Results The results of a laboratory experiment revealed that 2 Thai indigenous EPNs isolates (Heterorhabditis indica isolate AUT 13.2 and Steinernema siamkayai isolate APL 12.3) were efficient against the FAW, 2nd and 5th larval instars. Six different nematode concentrations (50,100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 infectious juveniles (IJs) ml−1) were evaluated, and all were proven to be effective, with the mortality rate associated with concentration. Inoculated larvae in the 2nd instar was more vulnerable than that in the 5th instar. H. indica isolate AUT 13.2 was more destructive than S. siamkayai isolate APL 12.3. The greatest mortality rate of 2nd instar larvae was 83% when H. indica AUT 13.2 was applied at the concentration of 250 IJs ml−1, and 68% when the nematode S. siamkayai APL 12.3 was used at the concentration of 300 IJs ml−1. At 250 IJsml−1, the highest mortality rate of the 5th instar larvae was 45% for H. indica AUT 13.2 and 33% for S. siamkayai APL 12.3, respectively. To customize the concentration and volume of nematodes suspension evaluated in the greenhouse settings, the most sensitive stage of FAW and the optimum concentration that caused the highest mortality were used. The concentrations of both indigenous nematodes’ isolates were 20,000 and 50,000 IJsml−1 per pot, respectively, and the results showed that the mortality rates were lower than that in the laboratory. FAW mortality rate was the highest (58%) in case of the nematode H. indica isolate AUT 13.2, against (45%) in case of S. siamkayai isolate APL 12.3, at the 50,000 IJs ml−1 concentrations. Conclusions The study revealed the 2 Thai indigenous EPNs isolates (H. indica isolate AUT 13.2 and S. siamkayai isolate APL 12.3) were capable of controlling the FAW in both laboratory and greenhouse environments. The 2 Thai EPNs showed the potential to be considered as a biological control agent.

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Susceptibility of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), to four species of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) from Mizoram, North-Eastern India

Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control ◽

10.1186/s41938-021-00453-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hrang Chal Lalramnghaki ◽

Lalramliana ◽

Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga ◽

Vanlalhlimpuia ◽

Mary Lalramchuani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Control ◽

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Entomopathogenic Nematodes ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Instar Larva ◽

Life Stages ◽

Eastern India ◽

Larval Instars ◽

North Eastern ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Abstract Background Outbreak of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) occurred in Mizoram, North-Eastern India. The infestation spread in the entire state covering a total area of around 2840 hectares of maize cultivated land. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) represent potential candidates for the biological control of S. frugiperda. In the study, the susceptibility of the pest against 4 locally isolated EPN species Heterorhabditis indica, H. baujardi, Steinernema sangi and S. surkhetense was evaluated. Results The results indicated that all the isolated EPN species showed a high rate of larvicidal and pupicidal activities against the pest. Mortality between 43.75–100.00 and 25.00–100.00% of 3rd and 5th larval instars, respectively (at concentrations 10–800 IJs/larva), and 37.50–68.75% mortality of pupae (at concentrations 200–1600 IJs /pupa) were found after exposure to the EPN species. The mortality rate of the pest showed significant variations with life stages of the host insect, nematode concentrations and incubation time. Based on the median lethal concentration (LC50), H. indica was the most pathogenic species, followed by S. sangi, H. baujardi and S. surkhetense. The LC50 values of H. indica at 72 h post-incubation were 20.26 and 62.07 IJs/larva for the 3rd and 5th larval instars, respectively, and 913.34 IJs/pupa. The penetration assay showed that H. indica had the highest penetration rate into the hosts, 27.24, 21.30 and 20.00% in the 3rd, 5th larval instars and pupae, respectively. Furthermore, all the EPN isolates were capable of successful multiplication inside the cadaver of S. frugiperda that showed significant differences with the EPN isolates and life stages of the pest. Among the isolates, H. indica showed the highest multiplication rates, 17,692.25 ± 2103.59, 8345.63 ± 785.34 and 79,146.38 ± 5943.73 IJs per 3rd instar larva, 5th instar larva and pupa, respectively. Conclusions The study revealed that the 4 species of EPNs showed a high potency against S. frugiperda, thereby having the potential to be developed as a biological control agent against the pest. Moreover, the isolated EPN species could potentially serve as alternatives for chemical insecticides and could further be incorporated into the Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

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Impact of an Exotic Invasive Pest, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on Resident Communities of Pest and Natural Enemies in Maize Fields in Kenya

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11061074 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1074

Author(s):

Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame ◽

Boaz Musyoka ◽

Julius Obonyo ◽

François Rebaudo ◽

Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural Enemies ◽

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Invasive Pest ◽

Growth Stages ◽

Insect Communities ◽

Exotic Invasive Species ◽

Before And After ◽

Exotic Invasive ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

The interactions among insect communities influence the composition of pest complexes that attack crops and, in parallel, their natural enemies, which regulate their abundance. The lepidopteran stemborers have been the major maize pests in Kenya. Their population has been regulated by natural enemies, mostly parasitoids, some of which have been used for biological control. It is not known how a new exotic invasive species, such as the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), may affect the abundance and parasitism of the resident stemborers. For this reason, pest and parasitism surveys have been conducted, before and after the FAW invaded Kenya, in maize fields in 40 localities across 6 agroecological zones (AEZs) during the maize-growing season, as well as at 3 different plant growth stages (pre-tasseling, reproductive, and senescence stages) in 2 elevations at mid-altitude, where all maize stemborer species used to occur together. Results indicated that the introduction of the FAW significantly correlated with the reduction of the abundance of the resident communities of maize stemborers and parasitoids in maize fields; moreover, the decrease of stemborer density after the arrival of FAW occurred mostly at both reproductive and senescent maize stages. It also suggests a possible displacement of stemborers by FAW elsewhere; for example, to other cereals. However, since this study was conducted only three years after the introduction of the FAW, further studies will need to be conducted to confirm such displacements.

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Oviposition Preferences, Bt Susceptibilities, and Tissue Feeding of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Host Strains

Pest Management Science ◽

10.1002/ps.6434 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

David A. Ingber ◽

John H McDonald ◽

Charles E. Mason ◽

Lindsey Flexner

Keyword(s):

Fall Armyworm ◽

Oviposition Preferences ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae ◽

Host Strains

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First record of a parasitoid, Megaselia (M) scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae) of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from India

Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control ◽

10.1186/s41938-021-00439-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sharanabasappa S. Deshmukh ◽

S. Kiran ◽

Atanu Naskar ◽

Palam Pradeep ◽

C. M. Kalleshwaraswamy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Outer Surface ◽

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

First Record ◽

Instar Larva ◽

Major Threat ◽

Megaselia Scalaris ◽

Maize Cultivation ◽

First Time ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

AbstractThe fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has become a major threat in maize cultivation since its invasion to India in 2018. The humpbacked fly, Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae), was recorded as a laboratory parasitoid of FAW, for the first time in India. Initially, 30–40 maggots of M. (M) scalaris emerged out from the dead pre-pupa and pupa of laboratory-reared FAW. The fly laid up to 15 eggs on the outer surface of 6th instar larva or pre-pupa of the FAW. The incubation period was 1–2 days. The fly had 3 larval instars which lasted 3–4 days and a pupal period of 10–11 days. The adults survived for 6–7 days.

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Isolation of entomopathogenic nematodes in an apple orchard in Southern Brazil and its virulence to Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) larvae, under laboratory conditions

Brazilian Journal of Biology ◽

10.1590/1519-6984.08315 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 77 (1) ◽

pp. 22-28 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

E. Foelkel ◽

M. Voss ◽

L. B. Monteiro ◽

G. Nishimura

Keyword(s):

Entomopathogenic Nematodes ◽

Abiotic Factors ◽

Integrated Control ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Apple Orchard ◽

Soil Samples ◽

Similar Frequency ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Climate Conditions ◽

Anastrepha Fraterculus

Abstract Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are a promising alternative to integrated control in many fruit pests. Few studies were made on the relationship of Anastrepha fraterculus natural population with native EPNs population and other biotic and abiotic factors. The aim of this work was to verify the occurrence of endemic nematodes in an apple orchard, concerning environmental conditions and technical procedure, and access isolates virulence to A. fraterculus larvae. The experiment was conducted during a year taking monthly soil samples from an apple orchard, with and without fallen fruits just above the soil. Samples were baited with Tenebrium molitor and A. fraterculus larvae in laboratory. Canopy and fallen fruits were sampled to access the pest infestation. Seventy three EPN isolates were captured, in 23.2% soil samples, more with T. molitor than with A. fraterculus baits. From the 20 isolates tested against A. fraterculus, only five were pathogenic, and they were identified as Oscheius sp. The nematodes were captured during all seasons in a similar frequency. Soil and weather conditions, presence of fruit over the orchard soil, and A. fraterculus pupae in the fruits had no significant influence on the capture. As a conclusion, nematodes of the genera Oscheius are found in an apple orchard of Porto Amazonas constantly along the year, independently of fluctuations in A. fraterculus population, climate conditions and presence of fruit over the soil. Some of the isolates are pathogenic to A. fraterculus.

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