Different methods of controlling and preventing of fall army worm in maize has increased on the productivity. However, the effectiveness of the methods vary hence increased cost of production
Maize is affected by army worm at all stages leading to significant crop damage.
Life span of the armyworm is 32 to 46 days depending on prevailing temperatures.
Higher temperatures increase number of pest generations in the cropping cycle.
Life cycle
Eggs hatch in 2 to 4 days into larvae which feed on leaves for 15 to 28 days.
Larvae drop down to turn into pupae about 2 to 3 cm beneath the soil and in 7 to 14 days, new moths emerge.
Female moths die soon after laying eggs and adults migrate 100s of km by help of wind.
Hatched larvae stay in junction between stem and leaves, feed and drill holes and later spread to new plants.
It affects up to 80% of crop if not well managed.
Chemical control effect
Lead to severe damage of biodiversity.
Killing of crop friendly organism, affect public health and increase tolerance to harmful insects.
Biological control
Integrated pest management involve use of natural predators to control pests in field and reduce on pesticide usage significantly.
Bio control systems include control through parastoids, predatory insects and bio pesticides through entomopathogenic organisms.
