Life cycle, feeding preferences and control of Sena caterpillar (Fall Armyworm) ( Spodoptera frugiperda)

Abstract

Fall Armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an insect caterpillar which devastated the maize cultivations of Sri Lanka in 2018. Present study was undertaken to investigate the life cycle of the insect, feeding habit on selected crop plants and eco-friendly control measures for Sena caterpillar using different plant extracts. The results of feeding habit on selected crop plants showed that Sena caterpillar was able to feed and survive on Kathurumurunga (Sesbania grandiflora), rice (Oriza sativa), Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximum), Buffalo grass (Axonopus compresses) and Guatemala grass (Tripsacum laxum) in the absence of maize. Being eco-friendly control measures for Sena caterpillar, 80% Margosa seed extract and; 80% Margosa leaf + 80% Ginger rhizome extract were found to be more promising. Life cycle of FAW consists of four stages; eggs, larva, pupa and moth. Mean duration of 33 d were taken by FAW to complete its life cycle, in which larval stage consisted of 18 d.