Life History of Fall Armyworm, <i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> (J.E. Smith) on Hedgehog Sedge, <i>Cyperus compressus</i> L. In Philippines

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a destructive agricultural pest with a broad host range. This study investigated the life history parameters of S. frugiperda when reared exclusively on Cyperus compressus, a common weed species, under controlled laboratory conditions. The complete life cycle of S. frugiperda was successfully completed on C. compressus. Early-instar larvae exhibited rapid growth, while pupal weight and adult longevity were comparable to those observed on preferred host plants. Female moths demonstrated high fecundity, laying numerous eggs, although egg hatchability and larval survival rates were slightly lower than on preferred hosts. These findings highlight the potential of C. compressus to serve as an alternative host, contributing to the persistence of S. frugiperda in agricultural landscapes. Understanding the life history of S. frugiperda on non-crop hosts is crucial for developing effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to mitigate its impact on crop production.