Agroecological zones influence maize infestation and damage severity by the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda [J. E. Smith, 1797]) in southwestern Nigeria

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an invasive and highly destructive insect pest that has caused extensive damage to maize in Africa since its first report on the continent in 2016. Information on fall armyworm infestation and damage within African agroecologies is essential for the devel...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Olusegun Adebayo OJUMOOLA, Adebayo Amos OMOLOYE
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Ljubljana Press (Založba Univerze v Ljubljani) 2023-04-01
Series:Acta Agriculturae Slovenica
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.uni-lj.si/aas/article/view/14390
Description
Summary:The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an invasive and highly destructive insect pest that has caused extensive damage to maize in Africa since its first report on the continent in 2016. Information on fall armyworm infestation and damage within African agroecologies is essential for the development of appropriate pest management strategies, but these are scant in Nigeria. Consequently, in this study, fall armyworm infestation levels and severity of damage to maize in the three major maize-growing agro-ecological zones (humid forest, derived savanna, and southern guinea savanna) of southwestern Nigeria was investigated using standard field sampling protocols. Results showed that maize infestation and damage severity varied across agroecological zones, with the humid forest being the most impacted. Information provided will enhance decision-making for effective management of the fall armyworm in southwestern Nigeria.
ISSN:1854-1941