Application potential of push-pull cropping of maize and beans to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) management in China

Abstract

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a notorious pest on maize. The push-pull strategy based on intercropping and interplanting system has been reported to effectively reduce the damage of FAW. However, the suitable mode for FAW management has not been reported thoroughly. We therefore investigated the adaptability, feeding preference and oviposition of FAW on maize (Zea mays L.), mung bean (Vigna radiata L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), red bean (Vigna angularis Willd.) and yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata L.), which commonly used in maize-legume intercropping system. We also evaluated the occurrence of FAW in push-pull cropping test. Results showed that FAW could complete life history reared on the six hosts, and it was more suitable for maize, red bean and yardlong bean but less suitable for the others. The feeding preference and oviposition tests revealed that FAW had strong preference for maize and yardlong bean, while the opposite was true for mung bean. In addition, the push-pull cropping test showed that the injured rate on maize intercropping mung bean surrounded by yardlong bean was significantly less than that on maize monocropping and maize surrounded by yardlong bean. The study indicated that mung bean and yardlong bean are promising introduced into push-pull control, and could provide a new perspective for FAW management in maize-legume intercropping system.