Observation and identification of fungi linked with infestation of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on seed cobs of maize plants in Luxor Governorate, Egypt

Spreading of fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] on cobs of maize (Zea mays) plants is becoming a dangerous problem, and it is threatening maize crops in Egypt. This study was carried out to assess the present conditions of S. frugiperda infestations on maize and to identify the fungi that are linked and associated with it in the governorate of Luxor. The invasion of S. frugiperda on maize plants was observed from the third week of June to the time of maize harvest period. The highest count of larvae and infestation percentages were noted in three distinct periods during July, August, and September at each summer growing seasons 2021 and 2022. Also, there was a strong correlation found between the number of larvae and the extent of infestation by pests. A total of thirteen fungal species were isolated from the infested cobs. The fungi identified belong to the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, Myrothecium, Penicillium, Rhizopus and Trichoderma. The fungal species A. flavus, A. welwitschiae, A. niger and A. brasiliensis were found to have the height incidences, while T. virdi is the lowest incidence percentage. These results can assist farmers and decision makers in developing influential and effective strategies to manage this dangerous pest.