Bio-efficacy of selected insecticides against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera), in maize

Abstract

Bio-efficacy of insecticides belonging to ten chemical groups were assessed against the fall armyworm in maize during Rabi 2018 and Kharif 2019. Insecticides were sprayed two times at 14-day interval. Insecticides were directed into the whorl portion of the plants. Among the insecticides assessed spinetoram was found highly effective in reducing the larval population and leaf damage, followed by novaluron and chlorantraniliprole with 97.32, 93.09 and 90.43% reduction in larval population respectively, over untreated control. The plot treated with spinetoram recorded highest grain yield (33.48 q/ha), followed by novaluron (32.07 q/ha) and chlorantraniliprole (31.13 q/ha). These insecticides belong to different chemical group with varied modes of action. Hence, it is possible to include effective chemicals found in this research in the fall armyworm management schedule. This would help in effective management of the pest and also delaying the development of resistance against these molecules.