Characterization of Artificial Feed for Armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda) as a Support for Pest Control Technology Research

Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the pests known for its ability to cause quite severe damage to cultivated plants, so research related to S. frugiperda is the focus of research both on a field and laboratory scale. Laboratory-scale S. frugiperda research is generally carried out by keeping target insects as research materials in large quantities. The use of natural feed in insect maintenance often experiences limitations, so artificial feed is developed for S. frugiperda. This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of the artificial feed being developed. The research method is a qualitative method with parameters of color observation, weight per 100 grains, dry weight, and wet weight in three artificial feed formulas that were developed. The results of the study showed that in formulas one and two, the color of the feed was brownish green, while formula three was light brown. The weight per 100 grains of artificial feed showed that formula one had the highest weight and formula three had the lowest weight. The highest dry weight and wet weight were obtained in Formula 2, while the lowest weight was obtained in Formula 3. The conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that the characteristics of artificial feed for S. frugiperda, including color, weight per 100 grains, dry weight, and wet weight of the feed, are influenced by the formulation of the artificial feed.