Assessment of the Infestation Level of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, on Cabbage and Tomato in Korhogo, Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Vegetable crops are highly susceptible to pest attacks, including the fall armyworm (FAW). This study was conducted in the city of Korhogo to assess the incidence and severity of FAW and its impact on cabbage and tomato production, with the aim of improving control strategies in vegetable farming. A randomised complete block design (Fisher blocks) with three replications was used for the study. The parameters evaluated included larval density, attack incidence and severity, fruit weight, and yield. The results revealed a high FAW incidence of 51.85 ± 6.41% on tomatoes, compared to 44.44 ± 11.11% on cabbage. Regarding severity, the values were 12.96 ± 1.60% for tomato and 26.85 ± 13.13% for cabbage. Furthermore, FAW infestation significantly affected production: the yield from healthy tomato plants was 2333.75 ± 139.81 kg/ha, compared to 721.87 ± 200.01 kg/ha for infested plants. For cabbage, the yield from healthy plants was 7218.75 ± 1125.47 kg/ha, compared to 425 ± 199.36 kg/ha for infested plants. Infestation led to a substantial reduction in yield, with losses estimated at 69.06% for tomatoes and 94.11% for cabbage. This study confirmed that FAW infests certain vegetable crops, specifically cabbage and tomato, and that infestation levels can be comparable to those observed in maize.