Assessment of Damage of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith., 1797 (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) on Maize and Millet in Maradi, Niger

Abstract

Millet and maize play an important role in food and nutrition security in Niger. Despite their importance both in terms of food and economics, these cereal crops continue to face insect pests including the Fall armyworm, S. frugiperda (Smith., 1797). This caterpillar appeared for the first time in 2016 in sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria, Sao Tome, Benin and Togo) and the same year in Torodi in Niger. The Fall armyworm is present in all regions of Niger from where it attacks the main cereals. The damage caused by this pest poses a significant threat to the productivity of these crops. The objective of this study is to assess the incidence and severity of Fall armyworm damage on maize and millet in the Maradi region. The study was conducted at the station (INRAN) and in Djirataoua. Four (4) fields were chosen, population dynamics monitoring through Delta Traps for captures of adult males of S. frugiperda and larval scouting in the field. The “N” sampling technique was used to determine the natural S. frugiperda infestation rate on corn (71.7% on maize produce in INRAN and 31.5% on maize produce in Djirataoua) and millet (17.4% on millet produce in Djirataoua and 7.8% on millet produce in INRAN). And the level of leaf damage recorded only scores 2 and 3 on millet and maize recorded up to score 7, measured using a method of the Davis et al. , (1992) Leaf Damage Assessment Scale/Score. These results will contribute to the development of an integrated management program for Fall armyworm. The main objective is to assess the impact of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), on maize and millet crops in the Maradi region. More specifically, the aim is to: 1) Monitor fall armyworm population dynamics in the fields; 2) Determine the infestation rate of S. frugiperda on maize and millet; 3) Assess the level of CLA leaf damage also on maize and millet.