Different controlling methods of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize farms of small-scale producers in Cameroon

Abstract

Fall armyworm (FAW) is a polyphagous and voracious pest, destroying maize plants in farms in Cameroon. An annual yield loss is estimated to range from15 to 78%, valued at US$ 2,481 to US$ 6,187 million. With most damage experienced in the mono-cropping system. Maize is the most widely grown cereal crop globally due to its several uses, namely human consumption, animal feed and biofuel. In Cameroon, maize is a staple food grown by small- scale producers in all ten regions. The control of FAW is unsuccessful with only the use of pesticide method, the application is knowledge-intensive, and misuse often leads to pesticide resistance, resurgence and increased production cost. The purpose of this review was to explore the different controlling methods adopted to suppress FAW from causing economic damage in maize farms of small-scale producers in Cameroon. Integrated pest management (IPM) approach was used to control FAW, including cultural control, chemical control, botanicals, push-pull farming system, biological control and indigenous knowledge. Results showed that push-pull farming system provides protection and improves maize nutrition, botanicals have similar efficacy like synthetic insecticide, and wood ash is a bio-pesticide. The combined application of pesticides and handpicking FAW was effective though feasible in small surface areas. Based on the general assessment, the push-pull farming system deserves to be promoted due to its numerous benefits: eco-friendly, enhancement of natural enemies, increased soil fertility and economic returns. Natural enemies and bio-pesticides application are essential to control FAW since farmers are resource-poor, causes no health problem and are environmentally friendly.

Inventory of Host Plants and Parasitoids of the Fall Armyworm (FAW), <i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> (JE Smith), in the Southern Agricultural Zone of Niger

“…This is for [38] more than 80 host species, causing severe damage to cereal and vegetable crops [22] [39] [40] [41]. It was found by [16] also that FAW is a polyphagous and voracious pest that damages several crops of about 76 plants with more than 106 plant species in the family Poacecae, 31 Fabaceae and 31 Asteraceae [42]. It also infests food crops such as maize (Zea mays L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), cotton (Gossypium sp.…”

“…The armyworm (FAW) resulted in losses in the range of 8.3 to 20.6 million tons of maize annually in the absence of effective control methods for the 12 largest maize producers in Africa [14] [15]. These losses are estimated to range from 15% to 78%, valued at US$2481 million to US$6187 million in Cameroon [16]. The threats are very significant and therefore the need to limit such damage.…”

Region-specific variation in the electrophysiological responses of Spodoptera frugiperda to synthetic sex pheromone compounds

“…The traditional approach of pesticide use has substantial environmental and human health issues as well as causing damage to non-target organisms, including natural enemies of insect pests (Desneux et al 2007; Régis Ahissou et al 2021). Furthermore, success of pesticides is limited in controlling S. frugiperda as the larvae tend to conceal themselves when feeding on the host plant by hiding in the maize whorl (Harrison et al 2022), and resistance has been developed against many of the cheapest and most widely used pesticides in Africa (Day et al 2017; Akeme et al 2021). In addition, signi cant expenditures are incurred by both farmers and government in controlling infestation by S. frugiperda (Kassie et al 2020), thus increasing the cost of crop production.…”

Region-Specific Variation in the Electrophysiological Responses of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Synthetic Sex Pheromone Compounds

“…The traditional approach of pesticide use has substantial environmental and human health issues as well as causing damage to non-target organisms, including natural enemies of insect pests (Desneux et al 2007;Régis Ahissou et al 2021). Furthermore, success of pesticides is limited in controlling S. frugiperda as the larvae tend to conceal themselves when feeding on the host plant by hiding in the maize whorl (Harrison et al 2022), and resistance has been developed against many of the cheapest and most widely used pesticides in Africa (Day et al 2017;Akeme et al 2021). In addition, significant expenditures are incurred by both farmers and government in controlling infestation by S. frugiperda, thus increasing the cost of crop production.…”