Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Efficacy of Emamectin Benzoate 5%+Lufenuron 12% WDG Insecticide against Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) in Maize

Zerhun Tomas Lera*

Maize is among the leading cereal crops selected to achieve food self-sufficiency in Ethiopia. However its production is constrained by biotic and abiotic factors. Among biotic factors Fall Armyworm (FAW) is the key insect pest of maize in Ethiopia. To manage the pest currently there are a few registered synthetic insecticides in the country others are allowed for only an emergency label, suggesting an urgent need for synthetic insecticide screening. Bearing in mind this challenges field experiment was conducted to verify the effectiveness of the Emamectin benzoate 5% +Lufenuron 12% WDG insecticide relative to another promising standard insecticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L), for the control of fall armyworm in maize production for registration purpose. The experiment was conducted at around Wolaita zone in two districts ((Humbo (Ella-kaballa) and Areka sites) in South Ethiopia) on farmers’ field in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications during 2023 cropping season. The result of this verification study also exhibited plots sprayed with Emamectin benzoate 5%+Lufenuron 12% WDG (the new insecticide) showed highest percent efficacy, lowest fall armyworm larva population and long-lasting effect by controlling and minimizing fall armyworm larva per plant as compared to the Lambda-cyhalothrin 50 g/L and unsprayed checks though statistically significant (p<0.05) difference. During the growing periods, no foliar toxic effect was observed from the effect of any tested insecticides. In nutshell Emamectin benzoate 5%+Lufenuron 12% foliar application at the rate of 200 g/ha with 400 liter of water was highly effective in controlling fall armyworm pest of maize.

Published Date: 2025-06-22; Received Date: 2024-09-22