Seasonal dynamics and spatial distribution of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) on Maize (Zea mays L.) in Cauvery Delta Zone

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays; Poaceae) is an important stable food (17%) and fodder crop (61%) next to rice and wheat. To study the seasonal variations and spatial distributions of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) on maize in Cauvery Delta Zone, random survey was made during 2019 -2020 at kharif and rabi seasons at six locations. The larval population was maximum during kharif (0.99 to 3.66 larvae per plant) compared to rabi (0.66 to 2.60 larvae per plant) in all the locations. Among six various locations, maximum population was recorded at Devanur (0.91 to 3.66 larvae per plant) during kharif and at Veppanthattai (0.90 to 2.60 larvae per plant) during rabi season. 27th Standard Mean Week (3.13 to 3.66 larvae per plant) during kharif and 45th Standard Mean Week (2.01 to 2.60 larvae per plant) during rabi recorded the maximum larval population.