Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) infestation in maize and its management using mulberry organic residues

Precision management of Spodoptera frugiperda infestation hotspots in Bt and non-Bt corn crops with bioproduct applied and monitored via drone

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.

Integration of Selective Insecticides with Metarhizium anisopliae for Sustainable Management of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in Maize

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a destructive invasive pest that poses a serious threat to maize production, necessitating the development of sustainable management strategies. The present study evaluated the efficacy of integrating selective insecticides with Metarhizium anisopliae for the management of fall armyworm under field conditions. Field experiments were conducted at two locations in South Gujarat, India, during the Rabi 2025–26 season using novaluron 5.25 + emamectin benzoate 0.9 SC and thiamethoxam 12.60 + lambda-cyhalothrin 9.50 SC applied alone and in combination with M. anisopliae, along with M. anisopliae alone and an untreated control. Repeated-measures mixed-effects analysis revealed significant treatment effects on plant infestation, leaf damage, cob infestation and cob yield. Among the evaluated treatments, novaluron 5.25 + emamectin benzoate 0.9 SC integrated with M. anisopliae recorded the lowest plant infestation (32.92%), leaf damage score (2.70) and cob infestation (11.01%), and produced the highest cob yield (13.21 t ha⁻¹), representing a 40.53% increase over the untreated control. Although statistically comparable with novaluron 5.25 + emamectin benzoate 0.9 SC applied alone for most parameters, the integrated treatment consistently showed numerically superior performance. In contrast, M. anisopliae applied alone provided only moderate suppression of fall armyworm and lower yield protection than insecticide-based treatments. These findings demonstrate that integrating M. anisopliae with selective insecticides improves fall armyworm management and maize productivity, highlighting its potential as an effective component of integrated pest management (IPM) for sustainable maize production.

Toward Sustainable Management of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): A Review on the Role of Endophytic Fungi in Crop Protection

Overall, several fungal species successfully colonized plant tissues and reduced FAW performance through increased larval mortality, delayed development, and reduced feeding, and effects were associated with the production of bioactive secondary metabolites, induction of plant defense responses, and alteration of volatile organic compound emissions.

Effects of Mesosphaerum suaveolens leaves oil Emulsifiable Concentrate and Lamda-cyhalothrin on arthropods associated with Cucumis melo in Wukari, Nigeria

Efficacy of botanical and biological inseccides against Spodoptera frugiperda in corn

Eficacia de insecticidas botánicos y biológicos contra Spodoptera frugiperda en maíz

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the main pests of corn in Ecuador, causing significant yield losses. The intensive use of chemical insecticides for its control poses environmental and human health risks. As a sustainable alternative, this study evaluated the efficiency of biological and botanical insecticides under laboratory conditions. The research was conducted from May to July 2025 using a completely randomized design with four treatments [BotaniGard® ES (Beauveria bassiana), Dipel® WG (Bacillus thuringiensis), NeemAzal® T/S (neem oil), and Delegate® 250 WG (spinetoram, as a chemical control)], which were applied to third-instar larvae via the leaf immersion technique, with evaluations at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Results showed that B. thuringiensis achieved 100% mortality at 96 h, followed by neem oil and B. bassiana, both with 97.5%. Spinetoram produced immediate and sustained mortality of 100% from 24 h. In contrast, neem showed a low initial mortality rate (17.5%) that progressively increased over time. Overall, the biological and botanical insecticides evaluated are effective alternatives for managing S. frugiperda under laboratory conditions, helping reduce dependence on conventional chemical insecticides.