Sustainable Management of Invasive Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda

Abstract

The fall armyworm of maize, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae) is capable of causing a 100% yield loss due to its unforeseen occurrence from the seedling to the cob formation stage. To manage this serious pest, maize growers are tending to apply a high dosage of pesticides. This indiscriminate usage of pesticides has resulted in an unacceptable amount of insect resurgence in maize, harming maize production and consumption. In this review, we prepared a list of practical pest management options, including host plant resistance, agronomical, cultural, biological, botanical, chemical, and biotechnology approaches. It was found that cultivation of tolerant genotypes, adjusting sowing windows, and practicing specific intercultural and cropping systems measures in addition to chemical and non-chemical pest management strategies showed encouraging results for sustainable management of fall armyworm, which could protect the crop. This review highlights novel and successful management options advocated in various parts of the world. Recommendations documented in this paper would certainly pave the way for successful management of fall armyworm in maize and other concerned crops.

Cascading Effects of Cover Crops on the Subsequent Cash Crop Defense against the Polyphagous Herbivore Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

“…After three days, the S. frugiperda larvae were collected and weighed in the lab to evaluate mass gain. The caterpillars were then allowed to feed on an artificial diet until they pupated [ 23 , 24 ].…”

“…In recent years, it has emerged as one of the most important global polyphagous pests of crops [ 20 , 21 ]. FAW is a serious concern in various agroecosystems and can feed on most of the cover and cash crops [ 22 , 23 ]. The management of FAW in recent years has ranged from the use of synthetic pesticides to biopesticides, cultural control, and biological control [ 20 ].…”

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

“…The threats are very significant and therefore the need to limit such damage. The control methods used so far by producers are essentially chemical control with adverse effects on agricultural production itself, health (human and animal) and the environment [17] [18]. Surveys conducted in Ghana in 2018 showed that households sprayed pesticides, including fall armyworm biopesticides up to 12 times, during maize growing seasons [19], which could negatively impact natural enemy populations and increase production costs.…”

The Fall Armyworm, <em>Spodoptera frugiperda</em> (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Influences <em>Nilaparvata lugens</em> Population Growth Directly, by Preying on Its Eggs, and Indirectly, by Inducing Defenses in Rice

“…Its larvae feed on at least 353 plant species, including maize (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) [18]. Young FAW larvae generally aggregate to feed on leaves of host plants, whereas 3rd-instar and above FAW larvae disperse and consume leaves [19][20]. FAW originated in the tropical-subtropical part of the Western Hemisphere [21].…”