Potential for integrated botanicals and host resistance in maize for management of fall armyworm in Kenya

The Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, has been a devastating invasive pest across Africa since 2016; severely affecting maize (Zea mays L.) by attacking the crop from emergence to cob formation. Farmers increasingly rely on the use of excessive synthetic insecticides, which can lead to environmental harm, human health risks, and the development of pest resistance. There is a need to minimise reliance on synthetic pesticides in agroecosystems and opt for safer, bio alternatives. The objective of this study was to evaluate an integrated botanical system and host plant resistance for managing FAW for maize production in Kenya. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate combined Brachiaria cultivars (Xaraes and Mulato II) and Tithonia diversifolia botanical extracts; and host maize accessions resistance on FAW proliferation in maize production in Kenya. The findings revealed no significant difference (P>0.05) between T. diversifolia botanical and synthetic insecticide in controlling FAW populations in maize. Therefore, T. diversifolia was a promising biopesticide; while Bracharia cultivars (Xaraes and Mulato II) were effective as alternate trap plants in the push-pull systems. The integration of T. diversifolia, Brachiaria trap crops (Xaraes), and maize host resistance (MA4) proved to be the most effective strategy of FAW. Thus, this eco-friendly IPM approach has the potential to reduce insecticide dependence, preserve biodiversity and offers an alternative sustainable FAW management in maize production.