Research Reports: Within-Plant Distribution of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae on Corn During Whorl-Stage Infestation
Abstract
Field experiments on the within-plant distribution of larvae of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on the early-whorl to late-whorl stage of corn, Zea mays L., revealed that most larvae were found in the wrapped leaves of the whorl. Beta density function for describing larval distribution showed that larval instar, infestation date and environmental conditions did not influence this process. Larval distribution and its time course was accurately described with a single Beta density function for all infestations. This function gave 64%, 25%, 8%, 2% and 1% of larvae in the highest visible leaf and leaves just above, respectively. When the tassel began development in the whorl (pre-tasseling corn stage), most larvae (80%) were found in this location. After tasseling, larvae moved down to the lower leaves and into the ear (75%).Downloads
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