Correlation studies between maize planting dates, weather parameters and the incidence of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

Abstract

In maize cultivation, the fall armyworm (FAW) emerged as a major insect pest, contributing to significant declines in crop yield. The study aimed to assess the influence of different planting dates and weather parameters on the incidence of FAW in the kharif and rabi seasons of 2021. A series of six plantings were undertaken, with the maize single-cross hybrid DHM 121 sown at fortnightly intervals starting from August. Correlations with weather parameters were made for the FAW larval population and its fecundity across different planting dates. Rainfall, relative humidity (RH-I & RH-II) and minimum temperature had detrimental effects on the FAW larva, whereas maximum temperature showed a positive correlation. Conversely, all the weather parameters studied negatively affected egg-laying by FAW female moths. Hence, the role of weather parameters on FAW incidence is fundamental, emphasising the necessity for the development of forecasting models and sustainable management approaches.