FRONTLINE DEMONSTRATIONS: EMPOWERING MAIZE FARMERS WITH INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT FOR COMBATING FALL ARMYWORM

The fall armyworm, scientifically known as Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), originates from the Americas then it was reported for the first time causing severe damage on maize in Karnataka, India, during May 2018.Subsequently spread to different parts of India which is caused huge loss to maize cultivators.In this view ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dharwad conducted 30 Front Line Demonstrations in the farmer's fields on Integrated Pest management (IPM) of fall army worm in Maize crop during 2018-2022.The results showed that average net return per hectare Rs. 39704 was recorded in demonstrated plot, while it was Rs. 30460 under farmer's practice.The cost benefit ratio was 2.23 and 1.91 for demonstration and farmer's practices respectively.The average additional benefit of Rs. 9244 was recorded in demonstration plot.The integrated pest management practices gave 11.43 and 8.44 percent increase in yield in comparison with the control.Chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, and Nomuraea rileyi are promising components for the integrated pest management of fall armyworm in India.