ASSESSMENT OF INFESTATION OF SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA (J.E. SMITH) ON MAIZE AND ITS IMPLEMENTED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES WITH THEIR EFFICACY IN KAILALI, NEPAL

Abstract

Fall armyworm has been recently introduced to Nepal. In a very less time, the invasive pest has rapidly spread throughout the country causing 21% of yield loss in the total production of maize. It has the potential to attack all the crop stages of maize. If the effect of fall armyworm is neglected, it can result in the loss of 53% in the total production threatening food security and living of millions of farming households. Keeping the fact in mind, two blocks from the Tikapur Municipality of Kailali district, Nepal were surveyed to understand the infestation status of FAW in maize, farmer’s perception, implemented management practices at the local level for its control, and its efficacy. Lack of knowledge regarding the identification and control measures has led to more than 50% of the household being infected by FAW. The average yield loss has reached 129.058 kg/ha in block 10 and 93.052 kg/ha in block 24. The average percentage of infestation has drooped to only 4.15% when all the measure of management was applied in an integrated way. Our study concluded that there is a pivotal need for extension knowledge to farmers on the identification of the pest, its life cycle, effective management practices, and tie for its implementation.