Field efficacy of various entomopathogens against Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) infesting maize

Author: Patel P.H., Sisodiya D.B., Raghunandan B.L. and Patel D.R.

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Abstract

Farmers typically use chemical measures to combat fall armyworm, but their improper application has led to numerous issues. In such cases, it is necessary to make an efficient, low-risk plan for managing this pest. This study was conducted with the objective to evaluate the efficacy of different entomopathogens/microbial biopesticides on Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) infesting maize. A field trial experiment was conducted during kharif, 2019 and rabi, 2019-20 by using Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications at Biological control farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. Bacillus thuringiensis AAU Strain – 1% AS was found most effective among all the evaluated entomopathogens in both the seasons and that treatment was at par with Bacillus thuringiensis 3.5% ES (Commercial formulation)with recording the lowest population of larvae (1.11 larvae/10 plants and 1.22 larvae/10 plants), plant damage (11.47 % and 13.10 %) and cob damage (11.45 % and 13.01 %), respectively. The highest grain as well as stover yield was recorded from the plot treated with Bacillus thuringiensis AAU Strain – 1% AS (2868 and 4136 kg/ha) and followed by Bacillus thuringiensis 3.5% ES (Commercial formulation) (2829 and 4099 kg/ha), respectively. During the experiment period, all the evaluated entomopathogens/microbial biopesticides were found safe to the natural enemies viz., chrysopids, coccinellids and spiders.

Keywords

Fall armyworm, invasive pest, entomopathogens/microbial biopesticide, maize, yield, natural enemies

Conclusion

On basis of larval population, plant damage and cob damage percentage recorded it is concluded that treatment of B. thuringiensis (AAU Strain – 1% AS) @ 40 ml/10 litre of water was highly effective entomopathogen under field condition. Further, all the entomopathogens/microbial biopesticides were found safe to natural enemies viz., coccinellids (grubs and adults) and chrysopids (grubs and adults) and spiders (spiderlings and adults). The positive impact of treatment B. thuringiensis (AAU Strain – 1% AS) on grain yield and stover yield of maize is noticed. Since, S. frugiperda is an invasive pest of maize in Gujarat, India; hence, these findings may be useful to various stakeholders viz., farmers, researchers, students etc.

References

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How to cite this article

Patel P.H., Sisodiya D.B., Raghunandan B.L. and Patel D.R. (2022). Field efficacy of various Entomopathogens against Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) infesting Maize. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4): 1071-1076.