Comparative Efficacy of Insecticides against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Baby Corn

Aims: The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major pest threatening baby corn production, significantly impacting yield and profitability. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various insecticides and their combinations in managing fall armyworm populations while ensuring sustainable crop production. Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: Maize Research Centre, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during the rabi season of 2022–2023. Methodology: Field experiments were conducted to assess the impact of seed treatments, foliar sprays, and their combinations on pest control, crop performance, and natural enemy conservation. The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design with three replications and eight treatments, T1 (tetraniliprole 480 FS and cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD spray, T2 (cyantraniliprole 19.8% + thiamethoxam 19.8% FS and spinetoram spray), T3 (cyantraniliprole 600 FS and chlorantraniliprole 9.3% + lambda-Cyhalothrin 4.6% ZC spray), T₄ (chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC), T₅ (emamectin Benzoate 5% SG), T₆ (flubendiamide 480 SC), T₇ (dimethoate 30 EC) and T8 (untreated control). Insecticides were applied twice at a 14-day interval. Observations on leaf injury rating (LIR) and percent infestation were recorded using the standard 1–9 scale given by modified Davis and Williams. Pre-treatment observations were taken one day before spraying, and post-treatment observations were recorded at 7 and 14 days after each application. Parameters such as percent reduction over control, dehusked cob yield, green fodder yield, and cost-benefit ratio were calculated to evaluate treatment efficacy. Results: Results indicated that seed treatments followed by foliar sprays provided superior control of fall armyworm, with T2 (cyantraniliprole 19.8% + thiamethoxam 19.8% FS and spinetoram spray) demonstrating the lowest leaf injury ratings and highest yield benefits. T3 (cyantraniliprole 600 FS and chlorantraniliprole 9.3% + lambda cyhalothrin 4.6% ZC spray) exhibited comparable performance, followed by T1, T4, T5, T6 and T7. The study underscores the importance of integrating effective pest management strategies to enhance baby corn productivity and profitability. Conclusion: The study highlights the effectiveness of integrating seed treatments with foliar sprays for managing S. frugiperda in baby corn. T3 and T2 emerged as the most effective treatments, both in terms of pest control and economic viability, underscoring their potential for sustainable pest management and enhanced crop productivity.