The Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) has invaded many parts in India and established itself on crops like Maize, Sorghum, Rice and Sugarcane. This is a devastating pest and requires the attention of all farmers, vigilance and early detection is crucial for management of this pest. During last year this pest was detected in Karnataka and spread rapidly to many states and crops. As part of FarmRise team, we wish to create awareness and provide the best available information to manage this pest.

Currently, Pheromone traps for Fall Armyworm are available. Establish pheromone traps at least 2 weeks before planting to closely observe the moths. Hang the trap in a vertical orientation from a long pole so that the trap is approximately 1.25 meters above the ground. After the plant emergence please note that the trap and lure should be always more than 30 cm above the plant’s height. Traps are to be monitored at least once in a week or much more frequently. Moths are grey or brown with irregular markings.

How to identify larvae?

The Fall Armyworm larvae are easy to identify as shown in the picture. Larvae can be identified by prominent “Y” from head gives Dragonfly like appearance. Four dark spots on the square are also seen on the 8th segment. Their colour varies from green to dark green colour.

Management of Fall Armyworm in Maize and other crops

Recommendation

Biopesticides:1) The release of Trichogramma cards with 50,000 eggs with 10 days interval with 3 times in fields. OR2) Nomuraea Riley 2gm.lit. of water. OR3) Metarhizium anisopliae 6gm.lit. of Water

Chemical Control:1) Spray Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda-Cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC at the dose of 80 - 100 ml per acre using 200 litres of water. OR• Spray Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC at the dose of 60 ml per acre using 150 litres of wate. OR• Spray Spinetoram 11.7% SC at the dose of 180 - 200 ml per acre using 200 litres of water.

Monitoring, Identification and scouting of this pest:

Currently, Pheromone traps for Fall Armyworm are available. Establish pheromone traps at least 2 weeks before planting to closely observe the moths. Hang the trap in a vertical orientation from a long pole so that the trap is approximately 1.25 meters above the ground. After the plant emergence please note that the trap and lure should be always more than 30 cm above the plant’s height. Traps are to be monitored at least once in a week or much more frequently. Moths are grey or brown with irregular markings.

How to identify larvae?

The Fall Armyworm larvae are easy to identify as shown in the picture. Larvae can be identified by prominent “Y” from head gives Dragonfly like appearance. Four dark spots on the square are also seen on the 8th segment. Their colour varies from green to dark green colour.

Recommendation

Biopesticides:

1. The release of Trichogramma cards with 50,000 eggs with 10 days interval with 3 times in fields. OR
2. Nomuraea Riley 2gm.lit. of water. OR
3. Metarhizium anisopliae 6gm.lit. of Water

Chemical Control:

1. Spray Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda-Cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC at the dose of 80 - 100 ml per acre using 200 litres of water. OR
2. Spray Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC at the dose of 60 ml per acre using 150 litres of wate. OR
3. Spray Spinetoram 11.7% SC at the dose of 180 - 200 ml per acre using 200 litres of water.