Efficacy of Microbial and Botanical Biopesticides against the Control of the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) in Maize

Abstract

The invasion of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Sub-Saharan Africa including Zimbabwe has caused a huge concern on food security. This has resulted to the extensive use of synthetic insecticides by the majority of small holder famers as a response to control and reduce the spread of the pest and damage to maize. The continuous use of synthetic chemicals has caused build up pest resistance, unintentional harmful consequences to the environment and human health. Therefore, effective, ecofriendly and sustainable alternative pest control approaches are needed. The present study assessed the efficacy of biopesticides as pest management option against the control of Fall Armyworm in Maize. The treatments consisted of Dipel (Bt) and Neem Seed Extract, Neem Leaf Extract, Metarhizum Anisopliae and Baeuveria Basiana, and a control (no treatment). The application of biopesticides was significantly effective in reducing the population of FAW larvae and leaf damage. Dipel (Bt), Neem Seed Extract and Neem Leaf Extract performed better than other biopesticides (Metarhizum Anisopliae and Baeuveria Basiana) in reducing the FAW larval population. The lowest number of FAW larvae was recorded under the treatment of Dipel (2.3), followed by Neem Seed Extract (4.7) and Neem Leaf Extract (6.7). The control plot was extensively infested with FAW larvae and recorded the lowest maize grain yield. The biopesticides showed comparatively high efficacy against FAW and therefore can be recommended as a component for Climate Smart Integrated Pest Management (CSIPM), especially under the smallholder farmer farming system.