Response of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) to different pheromone blends under Indian environmental conditions

Abstract

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) is a pest of maize native to America that invaded India recently in 2018. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted in Bengaluru, India to find a suitable pheromone blend for trapping males of fall armyworm. The field evaluation studies showed that pheromone blend with Z-9-tetradecenyl acetate, Z-11-hexadecenyl acetate and Z-7-dodecenyl acetate in 87: 12.5 : 0.5 ratio attracted and trapped statistically significant number of male moths compared to other five blends using funnel traps. The laboratory evaluation of 6 different pheromone blends using Electroantennogram (EAG) with male antenna of S. frugiperda elicited statistically on par responses with each other. From the different dosage field study with optimum attracting blend, it was found that 2 mg loading trapped highest number of moths and was statistically on par with 3 mg pheromone lure. Further monitoring study carried out under farmer's field condition with 2 mg loading of pheromone blend with Z-9-tetradecenyl acetate, Z-11-hexadecenyl acetate and Z-7-dodecenyl acetate in 87: 12.5: 0.5 ratio found to be more effective in attracting and trapping male moths up to 60 days.