Enhancing pest management - Utilizing supplementary food spray to harness predatory insects against fall armyworm in maize crop of Vinh Phuc Province, Vietnam
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The effect of supplementary food spray on the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and beneficial insects (predominantly predatory insects) was studied in commercial maize field experiments from 2020 to 2022. The food spray formulation was developed from local ingredients in Vietnam, both with and without neem extract. The sugar-based rice dough product attracted and sustained beneficial insects, significantly reducing fall armyworm populations. Compared to conventional insecticide treatments, the net margin achieved in plots treated with food spray was higher ($3,467) to $3,394 in the conventional insecticide-treated plots demonstrating its economic viability (1 AUD=17.28 VND). Our study observed an average predator-to-prey ratio of 9.2:1 per plant in the food-spray-treated plots, and that was effective in managing the fall armyworm throughout the season. We propose that this ratio can serve as a valuable parameter and decisionmaking tool in food spray-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs against fall armyworm in maize fields. Therefore, we suggest that food sprays can be incorporated into IPM strategies to successfully manage fall armyworm infestation in maize crop.
Source: Journal of Biological Control
Authors: ROBERT K. MENSAH, NGUYEN VAN LIEM, BUI VAN DUNG, BUI THI HAI YEN, PHAM DUY TRONG
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4403469590