Effect of different host plants on the developmental aspects and growth parameters of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E....

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), feeds on a wide range of host plants, necessitating evaluation of host-specific effects on its development and reproduction. Age-stage, two-sex life table analysis was utilised to quantify developmental and population parameters on seven hosts: Maize (Zea mays), Napier bajra (Pennisetum purpureum x P. glaucum), Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), Mung bean (Vigna radiata), Soybean (Glycine max), and Desmodium gangeticum under controlled conditions (26 ± 1°C; 65 ± 5% RH; 14L:10D). FAW completed development on all hosts except Desmodium, as larval survival failed, underscoring its unsuitabilityand potential as a deterrent crop. Maize was the most suitable host, supporting shortest larval (12.89 days) and pupal (7.87 days) durations, highest pupal weight (197.02 mg), fecundity (733.28 eggs per female), and superior population parameters, including the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r_m = 0.213), net reproductive rate (R₀ = 366.64), and shortest generation time (T = 27.63 days). Napier bajra and guinea grass supported moderate performance, suggesting potential as trap crops under laboratory conditions. Legumes were unsuitable for different developmental stages, indicating their potential as a suppressive host. Mung bean was the destitute host, with prolonged larval (27.02 days) and pupal (9.85 days) durations, lowest pupal weight (127.32 mg), reduced fecundity (152.91 eggs per female), and suppressed demographic parameters (r_m = 0.079; R₀ = 33.64; T = 44.74 days). These host-mediated responses provide biologically grounded insights for trap and deterrent crop selection for strengthening habitat-manipulation strategies for FAW management in Indian agroecosystems.