Survey for the Occurrence of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in Maize in Telangana, India
Pottimurthy Venkatesh *
Department of Entomology, PJTSAU, Hyderabad, India.
K. Vani Sree
Maize Research Center, PJTSAU, Hyderabad, India.
S. Upendhar
Department of Entomology, PJTSAU, Hyderabad, India.
B. Mallaiah
Maize Research Center, PJTSAU, Hyderabad, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A roving survey was conducted in maize during the rabi season of 2023-24, covering three agroclimatic zones aimed to assess the extent of damage inflicted by fall armyworm. The survey assessed FAW infestation levels and leaf injury ratings at both vegetative and reproductive stages of maize. The findings revealed varying degrees of infestation and damage across different villages and different agro climatic zones, with the highest infestation rates recorded in the South Telangana Zone. Notably, the study identified Lingasanipally village in Nagarkurnool district experienced the highest infestation 80% during the vegetative stage. Leaf injury ratings ranged from 2.1 to 6.12, with the highest rating (6.12) recorded in Latpally village of Nagarkurnool district.
Keywords: Fall armyworm, lepidoptera, Spodoptera frugiperda, nematodes