Jul 2026· Journal of Global Innovations in Agricultural Sciences· Vol 14, pp. 1391-1398· 0 citations
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda is now widely distributed and has become a serious constraint to maize production in Asia and other regions. This pest has adverse effects on maize growth and yield, causing significant economic losses. Evaluating the responses and defense mechanisms of corn to S. frugiperda is essential. This study evaluated oviposition preference, leaf damage intensity, and trichome traits among 11 maize genotypes and one commercial hybrid used as a control. Oviposition preference was assessed under choice-test conditions by recording the number of egg clusters, total eggs, and egg-laying position on each genotype. Damage intensity was evaluated after artificial infestation with second-instar larvae, whereas trichome density and trichome length were measured microscopically. The fewest egg clusters were observed on the PG2 genotype (540 eggs), with most eggs positioned on the underside (abaxially) of the leaves. The lowest average damage intensity over four observations occurred in the PG7 genotype (32.27%), whereas the highest average trichome density was observed in the PG2 genotype (17.00/10mm²), and the longest average trichome length was observed in the PG7 genotype treatment (1.01 mm). Among all treatments, the PG7 genotype was the most resistant, showing lower damage intensity than the others. Identifying more resistant genotypes will help develop superior corn varieties that are resistant to S. frugiperda attacks and support sustainable agriculture.
Keywords: Spodoptera frugiperda, corn resistance, oviposition preference, trichome, damage intensity.
The inverse relationship between larval weight and development duration highlights the role of maize genotype in influencing FAW growth dynamics, with resistant varieties prolonging development and suppressing larval biomass accumulation.
Susan Asekenye, M. Oyoo, K. Khakame· East African Journal of Agri...· 0 citations
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a devastating pest of maize, and host plant resistance offers a sustainable alternative to chemical control. This study evaluated the resistance of the maize germplasm CH1 against FAW through life table parameters, feeding and oviposition preferences and greenhouse experiment. Results showed that FAW larvae reared on CH1 exhibited significantly prolonged larval development (21.61 d vs. 12.49 d), reduced survival (65.00% vs. 94.00%), and lower fecundity (689.00 vs. 1369.93 eggs per female) compared to those on the susceptible control Huang C. Population parameters, including the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and net reproductive rate (R0), were significantly lower on CH1. Behavioral assays revealed strong feeding and oviposition preferences for Huang C over CH1. Greenhouse experiment confirmed that CH1 plants sustained only minor damage (Davis scale grade 2, resistant), whereas Huang C plants were severely damaged (grade 7, susceptible). These findings demonstrate that CH1 possesses multi-dimensional resistance against FAW, providing a promising genetic resource for breeding FAW-resistant maize varieties and supporting sustainable pest management strategies.
Lingling Li, Peiying Li, Wen-Meng Li et al.· Insects· 0 citations
Abstract Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous pest widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, with reports of occurrence in various areas of the world. It encompasses 357 host plants, with emphasis on soybean (Glycine max L.), maize (Zea mays L.), and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The damage caused by this species severely compromises agricultural productivity and generates significant economic losses. Traditional management, based on intensive use of synthetic chemical insecticides, has had negative impacts on agroecosystems and on selected resistant populations. In this scenario, the use of drones and bioproducts emerges as a valuable tool for adequate sampling and sustainable management. Considering that NDVI versus NDRE comparison under real field conditions is still necessary, and the field-level validation of these spectral indices associated with bioproduct-based management in Bt and non-Bt corn remains limited, the present study aimed to detect, at the field level, the spectral reflectance of Bt and non-Bt corn plants infested with S. frugiperda larvae using the NDVI and NDRE vegetation indices derived from multispectral imaging acquired by remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). The experiment was conducted at the Chã de Jardim Experimental Area, UFPB, in Areia-PB, under a randomized block design (RBD). The varieties B2433PWU, Robusto, and Jabatão were evaluated. The treatments consisted of the application of Fitoneem® (active ingredients Azadirachtin A and B) and control (water) via DJI T40 spray drone. The results showed that leaf injuries can be efficiently monitored using remote sensing, with the NDVI index being the most effective. Infestation was influenced by both the cultivar and the applied treatment. In the Jabatão variety, applications of Azadirachtin reduced the expression of damage by up to 95%. Regarding production variables, only the number of grains per row and the number of grains per ear were significantly affected by the treatments. In practice, our research shows that the spectral reflectance of Bt and non-Bt corn plants infested with S. frugiperda larvae, as measured by the NDVI, is effective for validating the spectral response associated with bioproduct-based management in Bt and non-Bt corn fields.
J. Ferreira, E. S. Buriti, M. T. Silva et al.· Brazilian Journal of Biology· 0 citations
Introduction. Soil incorporation of Morus alba biomass mitigates Spodoptera frugiperda damage in maize, through the release of bioactive secondary metabolites with antifeedant properties. Objective. To characterize farmer perceptions of Spodoptera frugiperda severity and evaluate the efficacy of Morus alba residue incorporation as a sustainable management strategy in the Mocache canton, Ecuador. Materials and methods. The research was conducted between December 2023 and May 2024. The study consisted of two phases: a survey of farmers and a field experiment. The farmers were surveyed regarding the agronomic practices they implemented to manage S. frugiperda. The experiment was conducted in the locality of Jesús del Gran Poder and consisted of three treatments: i) a control without pest management or residue incorporation (Control); ii) soil incorporation of 1 t ha⁻¹ of a mixture of maize residues (80 %) and fragmented mulberry cv. Tigreada (20 %) (M+M); and iii) the application of methomyl insecticide. The variables of severity of infestation and agricultural yield were evaluated. A randomized complete block design with three treatments and three replicates was employed. Treatment means were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test (α = 0.05). Statistical processing was performed using the InfoStat package. Results. Residue incorporation reduced severe foliar damage (grades 4-5) to 29.6%, significantly lower than the control (36.1%; p < 0.05). Grain yield reached 4.1 t ha⁻¹ with residues, statistically comparable to methomyl (4.6 t ha⁻¹) and 17 % higher than the control (3.5 t ha⁻¹). Conclusions. The high perception of severity of S. frugiperda by farmers corresponds with high levels of infestation, associated with inadequate agronomic practices and poor technical training. The maize and mulberry residues incorporated into the soil reduce severity and allow obtaining yields like the insecticide, validating its effectiveness as a management alternative in Ecuador and similar regions.
R. Gaibor-Fernández, Sergio Rodríguez-Rodríguez, P. Plaza-Zambrano et al.· Agronomía Mesoamericana· 0 citations
Corn (Zea mays Linnaeus) is a relevant cereal in the human diet. Because insect pests justify the frequent use of synthetic insecticides, it is necessary to evaluate more sustainable alternatives. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the effect of various insecticides on pest control, predatory coccinellids, and crop yield. From November 2021 to September 2022, two 1,000 m² plots were planted (rainy and dry seasons) and the following treatments were evaluated: 1. Acephate alternated with chlorpyrifos (AC); 2. Azadirachtin; 3. Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus pumilus; and 4. Untreated control. Individuals of Rhopalosiphum maidis, Frankliniella occidentalis, and predatory coccinellids were counted. In addition, damage to plants and cobs caused by Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa zea, respectively, was evaluated. Rhopalosiphum maidis populations were lower in the AC and azadirachtin treatments. Frankliniella occidentalis populations did not differ between treatments. Plant damage was lower with all insecticides evaluated, while AC and azadirachtin controlled cobs damage. Yields were higher with AC and azadirachtin. The diversity and abundance of predatory coccinellids were drastically affected by synthetic insecticides, necessitating a thorough economic, environmental, and social analysis to address pest management challenges within a sustainable framework. Environmental conditions must also be considered, given that the pest that most limited maize yield (Helicoverpa zea) was more prevalent during the rainy season.
Unknown authors· Revista Facultad Nacional de...· 0 citations
The spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is an invasive pest threatening maize production in Türkiye, with larvae inflicting serious damage to stems and cobs. This study evaluated four maize varieties (Hera, DS 0224, AGM 2468, and AGM 2356) under natural infestation in Hatay Province during the 2025 main-crop season, focusing on larval density, feeding damage, and the relationship with plant morphological traits. Significant varietal differences were detected across all major parameters. Hera recorded the highest larval density (2.10 larvae/plant), larvae per stem (1.46) and cob (0.64), exit holes (4.15/plant), and infestation rates in plants (59%), stems (43%), and cobs (31%). In contrast, AGM 2356 showed the lowest larval density (0.51/plant), exit holes (3.00), and infestation rates (plants 22.5%; stems 16.3%; cobs 12%), indicating relative tolerance. DS 0224 (0.79 larvae plant-1; 45% plant infestation) and AGM 2468 (1.17 larvae/plant; 50% plant infestation) exhibited intermediate susceptibility. Tunnel length did not differ significantly among varieties (6.1-7.7 cm). Correlation analysis revealed that cob height, plant height, stem diameter, leaf width, and cob length were positively associated with larval density (p < .001), whereas cob diameter showed a negative relationship. Leaf length and spike length exhibited weak negative correlations. These findings demonstrate that varietal resistance to C. partellus is strongly influenced by plant architecture. The identification of tolerant variety such as AGM 2356, alongside the recognition of morphological traits associated with susceptibility, provides a valuable foundation for breeding programs and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to mitigate the impact of this invasive pest in Türkiye.
İbrahim Ersin Bozdoğan, Nihat Demirel, Ö. Konuşkan· Turkish Journal of Agricultu...· 0 citations
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