A REVIEW OF BIOPESTICIDE PRODUCTS AS ECOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVE AGAINST FALL ARMYWORM (SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA) IN AFRICA

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda, Fall Armyworm (FAW), poses an existential threat to farmers in Africa given their destructive effect on crops. This is essentially the case in south-eastern Nigeria where major crops such as cassava and maize are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of the pest. This paper reviewed published work on the availability of biopesticides that can control FAW without compromising environmental sustainability. Altogether, 50 active ingredients have been identified as potential biopesticides to control fall armyworm globally, out of which 29 were described in Africa. Although there are reports of remarkable successes in the application of these organic pesticides, there is a need to identify more biopesticides and also establishing the most effective modes of application for managing the pest. This review examines possible biopesticides that may be used in controlling FAW in Africa and also provides insight for further research.