Survival, Development, and Fecundity of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Various Host Plant Species and Their Implication for Pest Management

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda is Indonesia’s relatively new invasive polyphagous insect pest. So far, S. frugiperda infestation has only been reported in corn and rice in Indonesia. However, S. frugiperda is known to feed on many commercial crops in other countries. To date, information on the biological parameters of S. frugiperda is limited in Indonesian ecologies. Since host plants are a critical factor for insect life history and have the potential to be used for pest control strategies, it is essential to study the biology and survival of S. frugiperda on different host plants. This research aimed to investigate the survival, development time, and fecundity of S. frugiperda on other host plant species to predict possible infestation rates for use in pest management. The study was conducted by rearing S. frugiperda on 14 common cultivated host plant species in Indonesia. The survival rate, development time, fecundity, and potential attack rate of S. frugiperda on various tested host plants were analyzed in this study. The findings revealed that corn was the primary host for S. frugiperda. The ability of S. frugiperda to survive on papaya, water spinach, banana, spinach, cucumber, and coco grass indicates that these plants are potential alternate hosts for S. frugiperda. Long beans, bok choy, choy sum, and beans might be indicated as a shelter for S. frugiperda. Meanwhile, inappropriate hosts for S. frugiperda include cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower due to their low survival rate on these plants. This research indicates that these plants have the potential to be used as a hedge, trap, or bunker plant in S. frugiperda management strategies. However, to prevent detrimental damage, control methods are needed in an integrated manner, including monitoring pest populations, habitat manipulation, and conservation of natural enemies.

Off-season survival and life history of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) on various host plants

“…This finding aligns with previous research 27 , 28 , which noted considerable diversity in pupal durations. The nutritional quality provided by a host crop, particularly during the larval stage, primarily influences the biological parameters of any insect population 16 .…”

“…Similar fecundity values on major crops were reported by several researchers 24 , 33 ; however, lower fecundity values were recorded on off-season or alternate hosts 25 . The nutritional quality significantly influences the egg-laying capacity of female insects 16 . Consistent with the 'mother knows best' hypothesis, it could be speculated that female moths of S. exigua exhibit selective preferences for laying eggs on hosts that offer enhanced nutritional benefits to their offspring.…”

“…For instance, in Brazil, it was noted that it survived on the cover crops such as millets during the offseason, resulted in increased infestation rates of S. exigua on cotton in the following season 15 . Therefore, understanding the relationship between S. exigua and its host plants and the biological, ecological susceptibilities of S. exigua could provide valuable insights for researchers aiming to devise the effective management strategies against this pest 16 .…”

Association of a Global Invasive Pest Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) with Local Parasitoids: Prospects for a New Approach in Selecting Biological Control Agents

“…Several studies have been reported since S. frugiperda was first reported in Indonesia. These studies were primarily focused on the presence/absence, diversity, infestation level, and ecology of S. frugiperda [ 5 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. Research on the performance of local parasitoid species in Indonesia in parasitizing S. frugiperda on a lab scale has even been reported [ 33 , 34 ].…”

Association of a Global Invasive Pest <em>Spodoptera frugiperda</em> (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) with the Local Parasitoids: Prospects for a New Approach in Biological Control

“…Several studies have been reported since S. frugiperda was first reported in Indonesia. These studies were mostly focused on the presence/absence, diversity, infestation level, and ecology of S. frugiperda [5,[28][29][30][31]. Research on the performance of local parasitoid species in Indonesia in parasitizing S. frugiperda on a lab scale has even been reported [32,33].…”