IMPACT OF FALL ARMYWORM, Spodoptera frugiperda ON MAIZE AND ITS MANAGEMENT THROUGH BIO-INTENSIVE INTEGRATED TACTICS

Abstract

Maize is an important cereal crop in Bangladesh due to its high demand in the feed industry, human consumption, and starch production. One of the majors inhibits to maize production is fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an invasive and devastating pest of maize in Bangladesh. This study was therefore undertaken to establish the occurrence of fall armyworm and its effect on maize production. In the study “A”, (Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, Kurigram, Nilphamari, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Thakurgaon districts) two treatments were applied viz. T1 = Seed treatment with cyantraniliprole (Fortenza) + alternate spray with SfNPV (Fawligen), emamectin benzoate (Proclaim) and chlorantraniliprole (Coragen) and T2 = Untreated control. The result showed that the maize plant in the treated plots with pesticides gave the highest vegetative growth characteristics, low leaf infestation and highest maize yield than those plots that were left without pesticide treatment (pesticide-free- infested by FAW larvae). However, the treatment showed better results than the control. In the study “B”, (Rajshahi and Dinajpur districts) three treatments were applied viz. T1= Maize intercropped with cowpea, T2= Maize intercropped with coriander T3= Sole maize with recommended spacing (60cm). Several predatory and pollinator insects were observed in the intercropped field. Foliage damage was higher in the mono-crop maize field than in the intercropped field. Cob damage did not vary significantly among the treatments but varied among the locations. Yield contributing characters varied among the treatments, especially locations. Higher yield and economic return were attained from intercropped treatments. Therefore, it can be concluded that intercropped with cowpea or coriander suppresses the fall armyworm on maize tolerable, creating an environment for beneficial insects and increase net return.