Exploration of Spodoptera frugiperda natural enemies on Zea mays cultivation area

Abstract

The insect pest Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda is a new invasive pest in Indonesia and potential as a major pest on maize. Maize field at two area (highlands and lowlands) were studied for natural enemies exploration of S. frugiperda in North Sumatra, namely Deli Serdang District, Langkat, Karo and Dairi. Two maize planting areas attack by S. frugiperda from each district were selected. Plants sample that showed symptoms of S. frugiperda attack were taken by taking S. frugiperda larvae (live or dead), egg groups and insect predator. All insect presence in the area was collected. The egg and larva of S. frugiperda were kept in a laboratory until the parasitoid and pathogen emergence. The result showed that the predator found were Coccinelidae, Dermaptera (Euboriellia sp) at all surveyed area, but Sycanus sp (Reduviidae) found at Langkat District and Rhynocoris sp. found at Karo and Dairi. Tachinidae parasitoid was found at Dairi District. Spodotera fugiperda larva infected by fungi was found at Deli Serdang and Langkat district.