Population Dynamics of Fall Army Worm, Spodoptera Frugiperda (J E Smith) Infesting Maize

Abstract

Fall army worm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) was found as major pest of maize in Rajasthan. Its peak larval incidence was observed in the first week of August (2.08 larvae/ plant) and second week of August (2.47 larvae/ plant) during 2019 and 2020, respectively. Its damage increased with crop growth and reached up to 48.33 and 58.33% during last week of September (39th SMW) during 2019 and 2020, respectively. The cob damage started in first week of September and peak damage was (36.67 and 42.22%) in the last week of September. Larval incidence exhibited positively significant correlation with mean temperature, and negative significance with rainfall.