Natural enemies of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a recent invasive pest on maize in South India
Abstract
Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a pest recently invading maize in India. Studies were conducted in southern India from Jun to Aug 2018 to identify and assess the abundance of natural enemies attacking S. frugiperda. In total, 5 species of larval parasitoids, 3 predators, and 1 entomopathogen were found attacking larvae of S. frugiperda. The larval parasitoids were Coccygidium melleum, Campoletis chlorideae, Eriborus sp., Exorista sorbillans, and Odontepyris sp. Three predators, Forficula sp., Harmonia octomaculata, and Coccinella transversalis, and 1 entomofungal pathogen, Nomuraea rileyi, were recorded. The average parasitism caused by C. chlorideae was found to be 2 to 3%, whereas the remaining parasitoids showed negligible parasitism. Nomuraea rileyi recorded 10 to 15% larval infection in Aug. Three parasitoids, Coccygidium melleum, Eriborus sp., and Odontepyris sp., were reported for the first time attacking S. frugiperda. Efforts should be undertaken to identify more natural enemies and to preserve the existing ones, through ecofriendly practices and judicial use of pesticides, allowing them to function effectively.
Sumario
El cogollero, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) es una plaga invasora reciente sobre el maíz en la India. Se realizaron estudios en el sur de la India desde el junio hasta el agosto de 2018 para identificar y evaluar la abundancia de enemigos naturales que atacan a S. frugiperda. En total, se encontraron 5 especies de parasitoides larvales, 3 depredadores y 1 entomopatógeno que atacan las larvas de S. frugiperda. Los parasitoides larvales fueron Coccygidium melleum, Campoletis chlorideae, Eriborus sp., Exorista sorbillans, y Odontepyris sp. Se registraron tres depredadores, Forficula sp., Harmonia octomaculata, y Coccinella transversalis y 1 patógeno entomofúngico, Nomuraea rileyi. Se encontró que el promedio de parasitismo causado por C. chlorideae fue de 2 a 3%, mientras que los parasitoides restantes mostraron un parasitismo insignificante. Nomuraea rileyi registró una infección en las larvas del 10 al 15% en agosto. Se reportan por primera vez tres parasitoides, Coccygidium melleum, Eriborus sp., y Odontepyris sp. atacando a S. frugiperda. Sedeben realizar esfuerzos para identificar más enemigos naturales y preservar los existentes, a través de prácticas respetuosas con el medio ambiente y el uso prudente de pesticidas, que les permite funcionar de manera efectiva.
Key Words: fall armyworm; parasitoids; predators; entomopathogen
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