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Kenis M. Prospects for classical biological control of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in invaded areas using parasitoids from the Americas. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 116:331-341. [PMID: 36889357 PMCID: PMC10125038 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a polyphagous agricultural pest threatening food security worldwide. This American species recently invaded most of Africa, many Asian countries, and Oceania, where it mainly damages maize. Classical biological control (CBC) through the introduction of natural enemies from its area of origin is considered as a potential management approach. The paper reviews the prospects and constraints of a CBC programme against S. frugiperda using larval parasitoids, which are considered the most suitable natural enemies for introduction against this pest. The most important larval parasitoids in its native range are presented and discussed for their suitability as CBC agents, based the following criteria: their frequency of occurrence and parasitism levels, specificity, climatic suitability and absence of closely related species parasitizing S. frugiperda in the area of introduction. The ichneumonid Eiphosoma laphygmae Costa-Lima (Hymenoptera: Icheumonidae) is considered as a potential candidate for introduction because of its specificity and its importance as a parasitoid of the pest in most of its native range. The most frequent and important parasitoid of S. frugiperda in the Americas, the braconid Chelonus insularis Cresson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), would most probably contribute to the control of S. frugiperda if released in invaded areas. However, it is oligophagous and would most certainly parasitize nontarget species. Before introducing C. insularis, or any other parasitoid species, the potential nontarget effects will have to be assessed and the risks will have to be weighed against the benefits of improving the natural control of this important pest.
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Babendreier D, Toepfer S, Bateman M, Kenis M. Potential Management Options for the Invasive Moth Spodoptera frugiperda in Europe. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:1772-1782. [PMID: 36515106 PMCID: PMC9748578 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We here review and discuss management options that growers in Europe could take in response to the expected invasion of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The focus is put on maize but the information provided is also relevant for other crops potentially affected. A sound forecasting system for fall armyworm both on a regional as well as at local scale should be established to alert growers as early as possible. Whilst a number of cultural control methods are adopted by maize growers in different regions globally to fight fall armyworm, many of them may either not be highly effective, too laborious, or otherwise unfeasible within the mechanized crop production systems used in Europe. Potential is seen in the stimulation of natural enemies through conservation biocontrol approaches, e.g., the planting of flower strips or intermediate cover crops, reducing tillage intensity, and avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides. To manage fall armyworm infestations, several effective biologically-based products are available globally, and some in Europe, e.g., based on specific baculoviruses, certain Bacillus thuringiensis strains, few entomopathogenic nematodes, and a number of botanicals. These should be given priority to avoid a major influx of insecticides into the maize agro-ecosystem once the fall armyworm arrives and in case growers are not prepared. Plant protection companies, particularly biocontrol companies should act proactively in starting registration of ingredients and products against fall armyworm in Europe. European maize growers should be made aware, in time, of key features of this new invasive pest and appropriate control options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Toepfer
- CABI Switzerland, Rue des Grillons 1, 2800 Delémont, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Bateman
- CABI Switzerland, Rue des Grillons 1, 2800 Delémont, Switzerland
| | - Marc Kenis
- CABI Switzerland, Rue des Grillons 1, 2800 Delémont, Switzerland
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Agboyi LK, Layodé BFR, Fening KO, Beseh P, Clottey VA, Day R, Kenis M, Babendreier D. Assessing the Potential of Inoculative Field Releases of Telenomus remus to Control Spodoptera frugiperda in Ghana. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12080665. [PMID: 34442231 PMCID: PMC8396428 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In response to the threat caused by the fall armyworm to African maize farmers, we conducted a series of field release studies with the egg parasitoid Telenomus remus in Ghana. Three releases of ≈15,000 individuals each were conducted in maize plots of 0.5 ha each in the major and minor rainy seasons of 2020, and compared to no-release control plots as well as to farmer-managed plots with chemical pest control. No egg mass parasitism was observed directly before the first field release. Egg mass parasitism reached 33% in the T. remus release plot in the major rainy season, while 72-100% of egg masses were parasitized in the minor rainy season, during which pest densities were much lower. However, no significant difference in egg mass parasitism was found among the T. remus release plots, the no-release control plots and the farmer-managed plots. Similarly, no significant decrease in larval numbers or plant damage was found in the T. remus release fields compared to the no-release plots, while lower leaf and tassel damage was observed in farmer-managed plots. Larval parasitism due to other parasitoids reached 18-42% in the major rainy season but was significantly lower in the minor rainy season, with no significant differences among treatments. We did not observe significant differences in cob damage or yield among the three treatments. However, the lack of any significant differences between the release and no-release plots, which may be attributed to parasitoid dispersal during the five weeks of observation, would require further studies to confirm. Interestingly, a single application of Emamectin benzoate did not significantly affect the parasitism rates of T. remus and, thus, merits further investigation in the context of developing IPM strategies against FAW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakpo Koku Agboyi
- CABI, Cantonments, Accra P.O. Box CT 8630, Ghana;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +233-246-723-292
| | - Babatoundé Ferdinand Rodolphe Layodé
- African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 68, Ghana; (B.F.R.L.); (K.O.F.)
| | - Ken Okwae Fening
- African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 68, Ghana; (B.F.R.L.); (K.O.F.)
- Soil and Irrigation Research Centre (SIREC), School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 68, Ghana
| | - Patrick Beseh
- Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), Accra P.O. Box M 37, Ghana;
| | | | - Roger Day
- CABI, 673 Limuru Road, Muthaiga, P.O. Box 633, Nairobi 00621, Kenya;
| | - Marc Kenis
- CABI, 1 Rue des Grillons, 2800 Delémont, Switzerland; (M.K.); (D.B.)
| | - Dirk Babendreier
- CABI, 1 Rue des Grillons, 2800 Delémont, Switzerland; (M.K.); (D.B.)
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Occurrence of natural enemies of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Nigeria. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254328. [PMID: 34252127 PMCID: PMC8274871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fall armyworm (FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda), an exotic moth which recently invaded Africa, is a highly destructive pest of cereals especially maize a highly valued staple crop in Nigeria. The use of natural enemies such as predators or parasitoids for FAW control is more economically viable and environmentally safer than currently recommended synthetic insecticides. Natural enemies to combat the pest have not yet been reported in Nigeria. An exploration for the pests' natural enemies was undertaken by collecting FAW eggs and larvae from maize fields. These were reared in the laboratory for emergence, identification and efficacy as natural enemies. This yielded Euplectrus laphygmae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae); Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) and Trombidium sp. (Acari.: Trombidiidae). Cotesia or Apanteles spp. were inferred to occur since Stictopisthus sp. (Hym.: Ichneumonidae), a secondary parasitoid, that attacks cocoons of Microgasterinae (e.g. Cotesia, Apanteles etc.) also emerged. Species of yet-to-be identified predators were also observed in various niches of maize plants. A positive relationship was found between FAW instar and the number of E. laphygmae eggs/instar ranging, on average, from 1.5 on second instar to 5.5 on fourth instars hosts. Parasitism rate of T. remus on FAW eggs was 100%. Parasitic mite infestation resulted in increasing paleness, reduced feeding, growth and movement as well as death of FAW 1st instars. Thus, the occurrence of FAW natural enemies in Nigeria calls for advocacy campaign to incorporate their use into integrated pest management strategies that attract and allow natural enemies to thrive for FAW management.
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Abang AF, Nanga SN, Fotso Kuate A, Kouebou C, Suh C, Masso C, Saethre MG, Fiaboe KKM. Natural Enemies of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Different Agro-Ecologies. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12060509. [PMID: 34072988 PMCID: PMC8227933 DOI: 10.3390/insects12060509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and southern armyworm (SAW) Spodoptera eridania (Stoll) have become major threats to crops in Africa since 2016. African governments adopted emergency actions around chemical insecticides, with limited efforts to assess the richness or roles of indigenous natural enemies. Field surveys and laboratory studies were conducted to identify and assess the performance of parasitoids associated with spodopterans in Cameroon. FAW was the most abundant spodopteran pest. Telenomus remus (Nixon), Trichogramma chilonis (Ishi), Charops sp. (Szépligeti), Coccygidium luteum (Cameron), Cotesia icipe (Fernandez & Fiaboe), and Cotesia sesamiae (Cameron) are the first records in the country on spodopterans. Telenomus remus, T. chilonis, C. icipe, and Charops sp. were obtained from both FAW and SAW; C. luteum and C. sesamiae from FAW. The distribution of spodopterans, their endoparasitoids, and parasitism rates varied with host, season and location. In the laboratory, T. remus showed significantly higher parasitism on FAW than SAW, and significant differences in the development parameters between the two host eggs, with shorter development time on FAW. It induced significant non-reproductive mortality on FAW but not on SAW. Developmental parameters showed that C. icipe has a shorter development time compared to other larval parasitoids. Implications for conservative and augmentative biocontrol are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Fomumbod Abang
- IPM Unit, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), P.O. Box 2008 Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon; (A.F.A.); (S.N.N.); (C.M.); (K.K.M.F.)
| | - Samuel Nanga Nanga
- IPM Unit, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), P.O. Box 2008 Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon; (A.F.A.); (S.N.N.); (C.M.); (K.K.M.F.)
| | - Apollin Fotso Kuate
- IPM Unit, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), P.O. Box 2008 Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon; (A.F.A.); (S.N.N.); (C.M.); (K.K.M.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +237-675265715
| | - Christiant Kouebou
- Agricultural Investment and Market Development Project (PIDMA), MINADER, Yaoundé, Cameroon;
- Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), P.O. Box 2123, Yaoundé, Cameroon;
| | - Christopher Suh
- Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), P.O. Box 2123, Yaoundé, Cameroon;
| | - Cargele Masso
- IPM Unit, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), P.O. Box 2008 Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon; (A.F.A.); (S.N.N.); (C.M.); (K.K.M.F.)
| | - May-Guri Saethre
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), R4D Directorate, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria;
- Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, Bygdøy allé 2, 0257 Oslo, Norway
| | - Komi Kouma Mokpokpo Fiaboe
- IPM Unit, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), P.O. Box 2008 Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon; (A.F.A.); (S.N.N.); (C.M.); (K.K.M.F.)
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Otim MH, Adumo Aropet S, Opio M, Kanyesigye D, Nakelet Opolot H, Tek Tay W. Parasitoid Distribution and Parasitism of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Different Maize Producing Regions of Uganda. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12020121. [PMID: 33573080 PMCID: PMC7912086 DOI: 10.3390/insects12020121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has successfully invaded Africa, where it has significantly impacted maize and sorghum production. Management of FAW in Africa predominantly relies on synthetic insecticides, which are expensive, and negatively impact the environment and beneficial insects. We, therefore, conducted field surveys in Uganda in 2017 and 2019 to identify egg and larval parasitoids of FAW for possible use in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Parasitoids were identified by their mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mtCOI) gene sequences. We identified 13 parasitoid species belonging to three families of Hymenoptera: Platygastridae, Braconidae and Ichneumonidae, as well as one Dipteran family (Tachinidae). Coccygidium spp. and Chelonus bifoveolatus were the most abundant and widely distributed parasitoids. Overall, parasitism averaged 9.2% and ranged from 3.1% to 50% in 2017, and 0.8% to 33% in 2019. Parasitism by Sturmiopsis parasitica, Diolcogaster sp., and Cotesia flavipes on FAW in maize crops are reported for the first time. Our results suggest high biological diversity of FAW parasitoids, which should be exploited in the IPM of the FAW in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hilary Otim
- National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Kampala P.O. Box 7084, Uganda; (S.A.A.); (M.O.); (D.K.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Stella Adumo Aropet
- National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Kampala P.O. Box 7084, Uganda; (S.A.A.); (M.O.); (D.K.)
| | - Moses Opio
- National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Kampala P.O. Box 7084, Uganda; (S.A.A.); (M.O.); (D.K.)
| | - Dalton Kanyesigye
- National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Kampala P.O. Box 7084, Uganda; (S.A.A.); (M.O.); (D.K.)
| | - Henry Nakelet Opolot
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe P.O. Box 102, Uganda;
| | - Wee Tek Tay
- Black Mountain Laboratories, Clunies Ross Street, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra 2601, Australia;
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Aniwanou CTS, Sinzogan AAC, Deguenon JM, Sikirou R, Stewart DA, Ahanchede A. Bio-Efficacy of Diatomaceous Earth, Household Soaps, and Neem Oil against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae in Benin. INSECTS 2020; 12:18. [PMID: 33383724 PMCID: PMC7823957 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda was first reported in Africa in 2016 and has since become a serious threat to maize/cereal production on the continent. Current control of the pest relies on synthetic chemical insecticides, which can negatively impact the environment and promote the development of resistance when used indiscriminately. Therefore, great attention is being paid to the development of safer alternatives. In this study, several biorational products and a semi-synthetic insecticide were evaluated. Two household soaps ("Palmida" and "Koto") and a detergent ("So Klin") were first tested for their efficacy against the larvae under laboratory conditions. Then, the efficacy of the most effective soap was evaluated in field conditions, along with PlantNeem (neem oil), Dezone (diatomaceous earth), and Emacot 19 EC (emamectin benzoate), in two districts, N'Dali and Adjohoun, located, respectively, in northern and southern Benin. The soaps and the detergent were highly toxic t second-instar larvae with 24 h lethal concentrations (LC50) of 0.46%, 0.44%, and 0.37% for So Klin, Koto, and Palmida, respectively. In field conditions, the biorational insecticides produced similar or better control than Emacot 19 EC. However, the highest maize grain yields of 7387 and 5308 kg/ha were recorded, respectively, with Dezone (N'Dali) and Emacot 19 EC (Adjohoun). A cost-benefit analysis showed that, compared to an untreated control, profits increased by up to 90% with the biorational insecticides and 166% with Emacot 19 EC. Therefore, the use of Palmida soap at 0.5% concentration, neem oil at 4.5 L/ha, and Dezone at 7.5 kg/ha could provide an effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable management of S. frugiperda in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crépin T. S. Aniwanou
- Laboratoire d’Entomologie Agricole (LEAg), Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, 01 B.P. 526 Cotonou, Benin;
| | - Antonio A. C. Sinzogan
- Laboratoire d’Entomologie Agricole (LEAg), Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, 01 B.P. 526 Cotonou, Benin;
| | - Jean M. Deguenon
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7647, 3230 Ligon Street, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Rachidatou Sikirou
- Laboratoire de Défense des Cultures (LDC), Centre de Recherches Agricoles d’Agonkanmey, Institut National des Recherches Agricoles du Bénin (INRAB), 01 B.P. 884 Cotonou, Benin;
| | | | - Adam Ahanchede
- Laboratoire de Biologie Végétale, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, 01 B.P. 526 Cotonou, Benin;
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Caniço A, Mexia A, Santos L. First Report of Native Parasitoids of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Mozambique. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11090615. [PMID: 32911875 PMCID: PMC7564170 DOI: 10.3390/insects11090615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In 2016, a highly destructive insect pest with origin in the Americas was detected in Africa. The pest is known to feed primarily on maize which is a staple food in the continent. Since then, farmers have been using chemical insecticides to control the pest. Chemical insecticides are expensive and harmful to the environment. In this article, the authors Albasini Caniço, António Mexia, and Luisa Santos discuss the possibility of application of an alternative method of control known to be environmentally friendly and economically sustainable in the long term. The method, known as “biological control”, can be easily implemented by farmers, and has the potential to reduce the population of the insect pest and production costs, and bring long term benefits to the environment. Abstract The alien invasive insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly referred to as fall armyworm (FAW), is causing significant losses to maize production in Africa since its detection in 2016. As an emergency response, governments in several countries distributed and/or promoted massive use of synthetic insecticides among smallholder farmers to fight FAW. The inappropriate use of synthetic insecticides by non-trained and ill-equipped farmers raises environmental and health concerns. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of native parasitoids of FAW, their parasitism rates, and relative abundance in the central province of Manica, Mozambique. A field collection of FAW egg masses and larvae was conducted from May to August 2019 (dry season of the 2018/2019 cropping season) and in December 2019 and January 2020 (rainy season of 2019/2020 cropping season). A total of 101 egg masses and 1444 larvae of FAW were collected from infested fields. Five larval parasitoids were recorded, but no egg parasitism was observed. Coccygidium luteum Brullé (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Drino quadrizonula Thomson (Diptera: Tachinidae) were the primary parasitoids. Maximum parasitism of 23.68% and 8.86% and relative abundance of 100 and 96.3 were recorded for C. luteum and D. quadrizonula, respectively. Total parasitism by different parasitoid species was at 9.49%. Cultural practices favoring the action of these parasitoids should be advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albasini Caniço
- LEAF-Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food- School of Agriculture—University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Division of Agriculture—The Polytechnic of Manica (ISPM), District of Vanduzi, Matsinho 2200, Mozambique
- Postgraduate Program Science for Development (PGCD), Gulbenkian Institute of Science, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-21-365-3128 (ext. 3428)
| | - António Mexia
- LEAF-Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food- School of Agriculture—University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Luisa Santos
- Department of Plant Protection-Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering, Eduardo Mondlane University, P.O. Box 257, Maputo 1102, Mozambique;
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Agboyi LK, Goergen G, Beseh P, Mensah SA, Clottey VA, Glikpo R, Buddie A, Cafà G, Offord L, Day R, Rwomushana I, Kenis M. Parasitoid Complex of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, in Ghana and Benin. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11020068. [PMID: 31973018 PMCID: PMC7073983 DOI: 10.3390/insects11020068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, a moth originating from the American continent, has recently invaded most African countries, where it is seriously threatening food security as a pest of cereals. The current management methods rely heavily on the use of synthetic insecticides but there is a need for more sustainable control methods, including biological control. Surveys were conducted in two West African countries, Ghana and Benin, to determine the native parasitoid complex and assess parasitism rates of S. frugiperda. Samples of S. frugiperda eggs and larvae were collected in maize fields located in 56 and 90 localities of Ghana and Benin, respectively, from July 2018 to July 2019. Ten species were found parasitizing the pest, including two egg parasitoids, one egg–larval, five larval and two larval–pupal parasitoids. The two most abundant parasitoids in both countries were two Braconidae: the egg-larval parasitoid Chelonus bifoveolatus and the larval parasitoid Coccygidum luteum. Parasitism rates were determined in three Ghanaian regions and averages varied from 0% to 75% between sites and from 5% to 38% between regions. These data provide an important baseline for the development of various biological control options. The two egg parasitoids, Telenomus remus and Trichogramma sp. can be used in augmentative biological control and investigations should be conducted to assess how cultural practices can enhance the action of the main parasitoids, C. luteum and Ch. bifoveolatus, in the field. Understanding the parasitoid complex of S. frugiperda in Africa is also necessary before any development of classical biological controls involving the introduction of parasitoids from the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakpo Koku Agboyi
- CABI, P.O. Box CT 8630, Cantonments, Accra GA 0376800, Ghana; (S.A.M.); (V.A.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +233-246-723-292
| | - Georg Goergen
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), 08 BP 0932 Tri Postal, Cotonou, Benin;
| | - Patrick Beseh
- Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), P.O. Box M37, Accra 00495426, Ghana; (P.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Samuel Adjei Mensah
- CABI, P.O. Box CT 8630, Cantonments, Accra GA 0376800, Ghana; (S.A.M.); (V.A.C.)
| | | | - Raymond Glikpo
- Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), P.O. Box M37, Accra 00495426, Ghana; (P.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Alan Buddie
- CABI, Bakeham Lane, Egham TW20 9TY, UK; (A.B.); (G.C.); (L.O.)
| | - Giovanni Cafà
- CABI, Bakeham Lane, Egham TW20 9TY, UK; (A.B.); (G.C.); (L.O.)
| | - Lisa Offord
- CABI, Bakeham Lane, Egham TW20 9TY, UK; (A.B.); (G.C.); (L.O.)
| | - Roger Day
- CABI, 673 Limuru Road, Muthaiga, P.O. Box 633, Nairobi 00621, Kenya; (R.D.); (I.R.)
| | - Ivan Rwomushana
- CABI, 673 Limuru Road, Muthaiga, P.O. Box 633, Nairobi 00621, Kenya; (R.D.); (I.R.)
| | - Marc Kenis
- CABI, 1 Rue des Grillons, 2800 Delémont, Switzerland;
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