Assessing Pest Control Strategies for Spodoptera frugiperda in Maize

Author: Ajay Bogati, Srushtideep Angidi and Sai Manogna Adapa

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Abstract

Maize has become a primary food and feed crop in recent years due to its ability to provide sufficient quantity and quality for human consumption, animal and aquaculture production, and bioenergy production. The insect pest armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, has become a worldwide pest, causing tremendous losses to the maize crop. In our study, a resistant maize variety was used to evaluate a variety of conventional and unconventional control measures aimed at reducing armyworm infestations. Our findings demonstrated that chemical treatments such as Delegate and Coragen are highly effective, with Delegate exhibiting a significant dose-dependent response. Surprisingly, dry sand emerged as an environmentally friendly counter measure, reducing pest damage significantly. Our findings highlight the importance of multifaceted strategies that emphasize both effectiveness and sustainability in order to protect maize crops from the relentless fall armyworm.

Keywords

Spodoptera frugiperda, Maize, Pest Control, Sustainability, Effectiveness

Conclusion

The increasing risk posed by the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) to maize crops necessitates immediate and effective intervention strategies. Our evaluation of a range of conventional and unconventional treatments provided valuable insights into their effectiveness against this formidable pest. Conventional chemical insecticides particularly Delegate and Coragen demonstrated significant efficacy in controlling the armyworm, with Delegate's effect being dose-dependent. However, there are still concerns about these chemical solutions' environmental and health effects. Interestingly, dry sand emerged as a promising environmentally friendly alternative demonstrating the potential of non-chemical pest management interventions. The use of household substances such as Nirma and Harpic, on the other hand raised concerns about plant health and practical applicability, emphasizing the complexities of repurposing such items for agricultural purposes. Although the pesticidal properties of Neem oil are well known, our findings called into question its efficacy as a curative measure, particularly when combined with certain detergents. Given its cost-effectiveness and potency, acephate's performance emphasized its potential for large-scale applications, albeit with a cautionary note on understanding its long-term effects. Given our findings, it is clear that a comprehensive approach to managing the fall armyworm is required. This strategy should include a combination of chemical, physical, and botanical interventions, with a focus on sustainability, safety, and preserving the integrity of maize crops. The study emphasizes the ongoing need for research in this area, with the goal of protecting our crops and ensuring that our intervention strategies are in accordance with the environment.

References

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How to cite this article

Ajay Bogati, Srushtideep Angidi and Sai Manogna Adapa (2023). Assessing Pest Control Strategies for Spodoptera frugiperda in Maize. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 112-115.