Title : Optimization of different artificial diets on development and reproduction of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Abstract:
Since 2016, the Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) has moved globally from its native American distribution to Africa and Asia. It is a crop pest species that invaded India in 2018 and has rapidly spread throughout the country. Rearing the FAW in different artificial conditions will aid in the development of new ecologically friendly management solutions for this pest. The investigation was carried out in a laboratory condition from June to August 2022, at the Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, B.H.U., Varanasi to study the Optimization of different artificial diets on the development and reproduction of the FAW. The rearing performance was examined by comparing four different artificial diets with a common ingredient (CI) based diet (Yeast + Methyl-p-hydroxy benzoate + Agar-Agar + Multivitamin solution + Formaldehyde + Distilled water) along with a natural diet, that includes D1 (Chickpea flour + CI), D2 (Soybean flour + CI), D3 (Chickpea + Corn flour + CI), D4 (Chickpea + Soyabean flour + CI) and D5 (Maize leaves) as control. The lowest larval period was recorded in D3(16.32±0.73) followed by D4(17.50±0.55) and the highest larval period in D5 natural diet i.e., Maize leaves (18.21±0.56). The highest fecundity was observed in D3(1434.76±41.67) followed by D4(1226.5±26.08) and the lowest was observed in natural diet D5(598.16±23.87). The hatching percentage was higher in the natural diet (Maize leaves) (93.89±1.18) when compared to artificial diets. Female adult longevity is highest in natural diet (8.97±0.35) and lowest in D1(10.71±0.16). These results show that D3 having the combination of chickpea, corn flour, and common ingredients as an artificial diet for FAWs is assessed to be the optimal artificial diet for the successful rearing of FAWs in comparison to other diets, which can be utilized to plan and promote the pest management studies of FAWs.
Keywords: fall armyworm, biology, artificial diet, pest management
Audience Takeaway:
- Research on optimizing various artificial diets for the development and reproduction of the Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) offers insights into establishing a standard diet for rearing fall armyworms with varying compositions.
- This research provides precise information about specific compositions influencing reproduction and development. This knowledge can be valuable for researchers worldwide engaged in this field.
- The cultivation of Fall armyworms in varied artificial conditions will contribute to the formulation of novel, ecologically friendly management solutions for this pest.
