Detection of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize field in East Flores District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a pest originating from America and rapidly spread to various parts of the world, including Indonesia. In January 2020, armyworm attacks appeared on maize plantations in several districts in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia one of which is in East Flores District. This study aimed to identify S. frugiperda occurrence in East Flores District and to determine the damage intensity of S. frugiperda and the population of larvae on the maize plant. The maize fields were surveyed, and purposive sampling technique was used to assess the maize plants damaged by armyworm. Observations were made on the symptoms of the damage, identification of armyworm species, percentage of attacked corn plants, the intensity of the infestation, and maize cultivars planted by farmers. The results showed that S. frugiperda caused severe damage of 85 to 100% of the cultivated maize plants with damage intensity on a scale of 6 to 9. The larval population was relatively high, ranging from 1 to 28 per plant with an average of 6.65 in West Solor Subdistrict, while in Ile Mandiri Subdistrict, it ranged from 1 to 7 larvae per plant with an average of 2.55 per plant on heads.