International Journal of Tropical Insect Science (2021) 41, 2627-2636

Anicet G. Dassou, Rodrigue Idohou, Ginette Y. Azandémè-Hounmalon, Amadou Sabi-Sabi, Jacques Houndété, Pierre Silvie and Alexandre Dansi (2021)
Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in maize cropping systems in Benin: abundance, damage, predatory ants and potential control
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science 41 (4), 2627-2636
Abstract: Invasive fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a species native to the Americas which has spread to Africa in 2016. This insect has been reported in Benin as a major pest of maize causing important economic losses and putting at risk food and nutritional security. This study evaluated the damage caused by this pest to maize in different cropping system and management practices. It also assessed predatory ants presence and diversity and their potential in controlling FAW. Results showed that 50% of farmers grow maize in a mixed cropping systems in association with sorghum, cassava and cowpea and also used biopesticides. FAW larval population and damage in maize fields varied accros villages. Surprinsingly FAW larval population was higher in maize field sprayed with insecticides than untreated field. Seven species of predatory ants were recorded in maize field. Ants' population was higher in untreated field (1043 ants per hectare) than treated field (806 ants per hectare). In the laboratory, ants species exhibits great predatory potential. Further studies are needed to discuss uses of ants in FAW management in Benin.
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Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
damage/losses/economics
surveys/sampling/distribution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Spodoptera frugiperda	Maize/corn (Zea mays)	Benin