Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a major insect pest of maize in India and its management : A review

The alien invasive insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly referred to as fall armyworm (FAW), is causing significant losses to maize production in Africa since its detection in 2016. As an emergency response, governments in several countries distributed and/or promoted massive use of synthetic insecticides among smallholder farmers to fight FAW. The inappropriate use of synthetic insecticides by non-trained and ill-equipped farmers raises environmental and health concerns. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of native parasitoids of FAW, their parasitism rates, and relative abundance in the central province of Manica, Mozambique. A field collection of FAW egg masses and larvae was conducted from May to August 2019 (dry season of the 2018/2019 cropping season) and in December 2019 and January 2020 (rainy season of 2019/2020 cropping season). A total of 101 egg masses and 1444 larvae of FAW were collected from infested fields. Five larval parasitoids were recorded, but no egg parasitism was observed. Coccygidium luteum Brullé (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Drino quadrizonula Thomson (Diptera: Tachinidae) were the primary parasitoids. Maximum parasitism of 23.68% and 8.86% and relative abundance of 100 and 96.3 were recorded for C. luteum and D. quadrizonula, respectively. Total parasitism by different parasitoid species was at 9.49%. Cultural practices favoring the action of these parasitoids should be advocated.

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Performance of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Fed on Six Host Plants: Potential Risks to Mid-high Latitude Crops in China

Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.5539/jas.v12n10p16 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 16

Author(s):

Yu Chen ◽

Jingfei Guo ◽

Zupeng Gao ◽

Kanglai He ◽

Shuxiong Bai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

High Latitude ◽

Insect Pest ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Pupal Weight ◽

Nutritional Indices ◽

Affected Relative ◽

Soybean Leaves ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphggous and widespread insect pest. In the study, the biological characteristics and nutritional indices of S. frugiperda fed on six crops, namely corn, sorghum, wheat, soybean, peanut, and cotton, were investigated under laboratory conditions. These crops are cultivated mainly in the mid-high latitude of China. Results showed that S. frugiperda was able to develop and reproduce on all six tested plants. Larvae reared on corn exhibited a significant shorter larval and pupal duration, higher pupal weight, and higher fecundity, which were 16.2 d, 8.9 d, 0.248 g, and 979.4 eggs per female, respectively. The host plant significantly affected relative growth, consumption, and metabolic rates, as well as other nutritional indices. Biology and nutritional indexes suggested that corn was the most suitable host. Besides, peanut, sorghum, and wheat have also been shown to be the suitable hosts for S. frugiperda. Although cotton and soybean were found to be less adequate, high larval and pupal survivors recorded on cotton and soybean leaves have indicated that damage may occur in these plants. This work reveals the damage risk of potential hosts of S. frugiperda, lays the foundation for the design of pest management strategies.

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EFEITO DO AUMENTO DA DENSIDADE DE LARVAS DE Spodoptera frugiperda EM MILHO CONVENCIONAL EM CASA DE VEGETAÇÃO

Revista Brasileira de Milho e Sorgo ◽

10.18512/1980-6477/rbms.v16n3p337-350 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 337

Author(s):

LETÍCIA HELLWIG ◽

ANDERSON DIONEI GRUTZMACHER ◽

PATRÍCIA MARQUES DOS SANTOS ◽

CALISC DE OLIVEIRA TRECHA ◽

LAUREN BITTENCOURT MEDINA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Zea Mays ◽

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Zea Mays L ◽

Insect Pest ◽

Control Level ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Level Control ◽

Maize Production ◽

Artificial Infestation ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

RESUMO - A produção de milho tem sofrido grandes avanços, propiciando aumento de produtividade, no entanto, esta é diretamente afetada pelo ataque de insetos desde o plantio até a sua utilização. Neste contexto, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) é considerada o principal inseto-praga. Para a cultura do milho já existem níveis de controle definidos, entretanto, mesmo utilizando os já estabelecidos, ocorrem perdas na produção. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi reavaliar o nível de dano de S. frugiperda em milho convencional BG7060, por meio de infestação artificial com diferentes densidades populacionais de lagartas (0, 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 e 20 lagartas planta-1) em plantas no estádio fenológico V4-V8 (folhas completamente expandidas) em condições de casa de vegetação. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que o aumento do número de lagartas de S. frugiperda por planta afeta todas as variáveis relacionadas à produtividade, exceto a altura de planta e comprimento da espiga, propiciando uma menor produtividade. Constatou-se que o nível de controle de S. frugiperda para o híbrido BG7060 no estádios V4-V8 é 29% de plantas atacadas em uma amostragem de 100 plantas, quando ocorre uma lagarta planta-1.Palavras-chave: nível de controle, monitoramento, manejo integrado de pragas, Zea mays L. LEVEL OF DAMAGE OF FALL ARMYWORM, Spodoptera frugiperda, IN CONVENTIONAL MAIZE IN GREENHOUSE CONDITIONS ABSTRACT - The maize production has advanced considerably providing an increase in productivity, however, this is directly affected by the insect attack in all phases. In this context, the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is considered the main insect-pest. There is a control levels set for the maize production, however, using the level of control already established, production losses occur. In this sense, the purposes of the study was re-evaluate the level of damage of the S. frugiperda in conventional maize, BG7060, through artificial infestation with different populational densities (0, 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 caterpillars plant-1), of plants at V4-V8 phenological stage (fully expanded leaves) in green house conditions. The results obtained highlighted that the increase in the number of caterpillars of S. frugiperda by plant affects all variables related to productivity, except the plant height and length of the ear, providing a smaller productivity. It was found that the control level of S. frugiperda for the BG7060 maize for V4-V8 stage is 29% of attacked plants in a sample of 100 plants, when there is one caterpillar per plant.Keywords: level control, monitoring, integrated pest management, Zea mays L.

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Seasonal Dynamics of the Alien Invasive Insect Pest Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Manica Province, Central Mozambique

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects11080512 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 512

Author(s):

Albasini Caniço ◽

António Mexia ◽

Luisa Santos

Keyword(s):

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Seasonal Dynamics ◽

Insect Pest ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Dry Season ◽

Maize Production ◽

Invasive Insect ◽

Cropping Season ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae ◽

Methods Of Control

The alien invasive insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly referred to as fall armyworm (FAW), is causing significant losses to maize production in Africa since its detection in 2016. Despite being the primary insect pest of the main food crop in the country, researchers have concentrated their efforts on methods of control, and there are no published studies on its seasonality which could assist farmers in delivering effective methods of control in periods of heavy infestations. The primary goal of this study was to assess the seasonal dynamics of FAW in maize fields. We conducted a field survey from May to August 2019 (dry season of the 2018/2019 cropping season) and in December 2019 and January 2020 (rainy season of the 2019/2020 cropping season) in 622 maize fields. In each field, 20 plants were selected in a “W” pattern and checked for the presence of FAW egg masses and/or larvae. Plants were also assessed for damage. Preliminary results show increased infestation, damages, and population density of FAW in the dry season. Our results suggest that early planting of maize in the primary cropping season may significantly reduce the infestation and damage by FAW when compared to the dry season.

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Assessment of the Host Range of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Manica Province, Mozambique

10.20944/preprints202101.0102.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Albasini Caniço ◽

António Mexia ◽

Luisa Santos

Keyword(s):

Host Range ◽

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Host Plants ◽

Insect Pest ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Maize Production ◽

Invasive Insect ◽

Cropping Season ◽

Polyphagous Insect ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

The alien invasive insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly referred to as Fall Armyworm (FAW), is a polyphagous insect feeding on more than 350 host plants in addition to maize in its native habitat. Due to the voracious nature of FAW, significant yield losses on maize production were reported across the African continent since its detection in 2016. Despite being a polyphagous insect, little is known about its alternative host plants in the new habitat including Mozambique. This study aimed to assess the host range of FAW in the central province of Manica, Mozambique. A field survey was conducted from May to August 2019 (dry season of 2018/2019 cropping season) and in December 2019 and January 2020 (rainy season of 2019/2020 cropping season) in maize fields and crops often mixed with maize or located in the vicinity of maize fields. A total of 1291 fields were surveyed. In each field, 20 plants were selected in a “W” pattern and checked for the presence of FAW egg masses and/or larvae. At the time of the sampling, no evidence was found suggesting that in Manica province FAW feeds in crops other than maize because out of 35 different crops surveyed, FAW was only recorded on maize. Results from this study suggest that the strain of FAW occurring in Manica province might be the one specialized in maize or the continuous availability of maize fields throughout the year is influencing the choices of the host plants of this invasive insect pest.

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Farmers’ knowledge, perception and management practices of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith) in Manica province, Mozambique

NeoBiota ◽

10.3897/neobiota.68.62844 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 68 ◽

pp. 127-143

Author(s):

Albasini Caniço ◽

António Mexia ◽

Luisa Santos

Keyword(s):

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Management Practices ◽

Smallholder Farmers ◽

Insect Pest ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Financial Resources ◽

Management Options ◽

Maize Cultivation ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae ◽

Structured Questionnaire

This study aimed to gather information about farmers’ knowledge, perception and management practices of the newly introduced insect pest, the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Manica province, Mozambique. A total of 200 smallholder farmers with experience in maize cultivation were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The survey was conducted between May and August 2019 in four districts: Macate, Manica, Sussundenga and Vanduzi. Most farmers were unable to morphologically identify fall armyworm (FAW) (from 93.9% in Vanduzi to 98.0% in Manica). Most farmers have experienced FAW damage in their farms (from 92% in Macate to 98.0% in Manica). Maize is mostly planted in October and November (from 44.0% in Sussundenga to 60.0% of farmers in Manica), but the highest infestation period is believed to be between November and February. With the exception of Vanduzi where 65.3% of farmers apply insecticides, most farmers in other districts do not use any method to control FAW (from 60.8% in Macate to 88.0% in Manica and Sussundenga respectively). Among those applying insecticides, from 65.0% in Manica to 75.0% in Vanduzi have confidence in the efficiency of the insecticides being used against FAW. Most farmers reported an increase in the spread of FAW. The lack of financial resources is reported as the main constraint in the fight against FAW. This study is the first of its nature in the province of Manica and provides valuable information that may support extension services and researchers when designing FAW management options for local smallholder farmers.

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Euplectrus furnius parasitizing Spodoptera frugiperda in maize in Brazil

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/s0103-84782013001100006 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 43 (11) ◽

pp. 1958-1960

Author(s):

Vinícius Soares Sturza ◽

Sônia Thereza Bastos Dequech ◽

Marcelo Teixeira Tavares ◽

Candice Guths ◽

Michel Pires Walker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural Enemies ◽

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Insect Pest ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Maize Crop ◽

Larval Parasitoids ◽

Lack Of Information ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Brazil is among the world's biggest maize producers and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is the main insect pest on this crop in the country. Despite the importance of its natural enemies, there still is a lack of information about parasitoids species that attack this insect-pest, such as larval parasitoids. This research reports Euplectrus furnius Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitizing S. fugiperda larvae on maize crop in Brazil.

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Effectiveness of Push–Pull Systems to Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Management in Maize Crops in Morelos, Mexico

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects12040298 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 298

Author(s):

Ouorou Ganni Mariel Guera ◽

Federico Castrejón-Ayala ◽

Norma Robledo ◽

Alfredo Jiménez-Pérez ◽

Georgina Sánchez-Rivera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Insect Pest ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Maize Yield ◽

Morphological Development ◽

Main Method ◽

Development Of Resistance ◽

Pull Systems ◽

Complex Scenario ◽

Block Experiment

Chemical control is the main method used to combat fall armyworm in maize crops. However, its indiscriminate use usually leads to a more complex scenario characterized by loss of its effectiveness due to the development of resistance of the insect pest, emergence of secondary pests, and reduction of the populations of natural enemies. For this reason, efforts to develop strategies for agroecological pest management such as Push–Pull are increasingly growing. In this context, the present study was carried out to evaluate field effectiveness of Push–Pull systems for S. frugiperda management in maize crops in Morelos, Mexico. In a randomized block experiment, the incidence and severity of S. frugiperda, the development and yield of maize were evaluated in nine Push–Pull systems and a maize monoculture. The Push–Pull systems presented incidence/severity values lower than those of the monoculture. Morphological development and maize yield in the latter were lower than those of most Push–Pull systems. Mombasa—D. ambrosioides, Mulato II—T. erecta, Mulato II—C. juncea, Tanzania—T. erecta and Tanzania—D. ambrosioides systems presented higher yields than those of monocultures.

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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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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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