Efficacy of Selected Pesticides against the Fall Armyworm Infestation in Small Holder Maize Production in Zambia
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: HistoryFall Armyworm (FAW) has been a significant pest control issue since its invasion of Africa in 2016.Even though chemical pesticides pose risks to humans and the environment, they have been the most widely used short-term control method for FAW.A bio-efficacy study involving nine synthetic insecticides and one biopesticide was conducted in Zambia in 2020 and 2021 to evaluate their effectiveness against FAW and possible inclusion in an IPM strategy.The bioassay results revealed that all tested insecticides caused over 50% FAW larval mortality, with Acetamiprid, Imidacloprid, Emamectin benzoate+Lufenuron, and Chlorpyifos+Cypermethrin being the most toxic.In the field trials, Emamectin benzoate+Lufenuron was the most effective insecticide, producing the least infestation (24.1%) and the highest grain yield (4817kg/ha), followed by Chlorpyrifos+Cypermethrin (26.4% and 4695kg/ha, respectively).Imidacloprid was the least effective, with a 32.5% infestation and a 4289kg/ha grain yield.On average, synthetic insecticides reduced FAW infestation, larval population, and leaf damage by more than 12-15% compared to the biopesticide Azadirachtin and 40-50% less infestation than the untreated control.Higher efficacy was also correlated with reduced grain damage, low cob rot infection, and higher grain yield in comparison with the untreated control.These insecticides could therefore be suitable components of an integrated pest management program for FAW in small-holder maize production, and three well-timed spray applications would successfully suppress the pest.
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4401045864