PLANT TO PLANT MOVEMENT OF LARVAE OF FALL ARMYWORM, SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) IN MAIZE FIELD

Abstract

Comprehensive understanding of pattern of larval dispersal is important to establish the criteria for sampling, statistical analysis and for the development of reliable and sustainable management strategies. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a notorious pest of maize all over the world was reported from the Indian subcontinent in 2018. In this research we studied the plant-to-plant dispersal pattern of larvae of S. frugiperda in caged field conditions of maize. The average distance travelled by the larvae of S. frugiperda after infestation was ranged from 0.36±0.36 m to 1.05±0.18 m. The maximum distance travelled by the larvae was up to 1.50 m. There was no significant difference between the number of larvae recovered with respect to the direction (N-S) within the row. The distances covered by them in both the directions were not significantly different either. The larval dispersal pattern suggested non-directional movement of the caterpillars.