Evidence of Leaf Consumption Rate Decrease in Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, Larvae Parasitized by Coccygidium...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Biological Control
• Insect Ecology

Background:

• The invasive fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) poses a significant threat to maize production in Africa.
• Biological control using native natural enemies is a sustainable strategy for managing Spodoptera frugiperda.
• Limited knowledge exists on the efficacy of native natural enemies for integrated pest management of this invasive pest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of the endoparasitoid wasp Coccygidium luteum on the feeding behavior of Spodoptera frugiperda.
• To quantify the reduction in maize leaf consumption by Spodoptera frugiperda larvae parasitized by C. luteum.

Main Methods:

• Laboratory assessment of leaf consumption rates in parasitized versus unparasitized Spodoptera frugiperda larvae.
• Exposure of 50 first instar Spodoptera frugiperda larvae to Coccygidium luteum for oviposition.
• Comparison of maize leaf consumption between parasitized and unparasitized larvae from the same cohort.

Main Results:

• Coccygidium luteum completed its life cycle in 16.7 days under laboratory conditions.
• Parasitized Spodoptera frugiperda larvae exhibited a gradual decline in leaf consumption rate.
• Overall reduction in maize leaf consumption by parasitized larvae reached 89%.

Conclusions:

• Coccygidium luteum demonstrates potential for reducing damage caused by Spodoptera frugiperda in maize farms.
• Further research is required to evaluate field parasitism rates and develop cost-effective mass production for biological control programs.