Comparative Field Evaluation of Selected Botanical Biopesticides against Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, in Maize (Zea mays L.) Agroecosystems

Abstract

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major insect pest of maize that causes substantial crop damage through larval feeding on leaves and whorls. The present field study was conducted at Mallikudurla Village, Velair Mandal, Hanumakonda District, Telangana State, India, to evaluate and compare the field efficacy of selected botanical biopesticides against Spodoptera frugiperda in maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted in a Randomised Block Design with six treatments and four replications. Five botanical treatments comprising neem (Azadirachta indica) extract, Pongamia pinnata seed extract, garlic (Allium sativum) extract, chilli (Capsicum spp.) extract, and a combined botanical formulation were compared with an untreated control. The treatments were evaluated based on fall armyworm larval population, leaf and whorl damage, maize growth, yield attributes, and grain yield. All botanical treatments reduced larval population and crop damage compared with the untreated control. Among the evaluated treatments, the combined botanical formulation showed the highest overall performance, recording the lowest larval population and crop damage and the highest grain yield. Reduced fall armyworm infestation and damage were associated with improved maize growth, yield attributes, and grain yield. The combined botanical treatment recorded the highest grain yield, whereas the untreated control recorded the lowest yield. The results indicate that selected botanical biopesticides have the potential to reduce fall armyworm infestation and crop damage in maize under field conditions. Their incorporation into integrated pest management programmes may help reduce dependence on synthetic insecticides and support sustainable maize production. Further field evaluation is recommended to optimise botanical formulations, application rates, timing, persistence, and cost-effectiveness under different agroecological conditions.