Assessment of farmers friendly IPM modules for the management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) in maize

In recent years, fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) has emerged as a significant invasive pest in several countries, including India, causing extensive damage to maize production and driving increased pesticide use. Sustainable management strategies are therefore urgently needed. In this study, four treatment modules and an untreated control were assessed for their efficacy against fall armyworm under field conditions across three agro-climatic zones of Bihar (Zones II, IIIA and IIIB) during both the Rabi and Kharif seasons. The results indicated that Module IV, encompassing the collection and breaking up of egg masses and larvae feeding in groups at the initial stage (15-25 DAS), application of a 1:1 sand-to-ash mixture (after whorl formation), a first spray of indoxacarb 14.5 SC @ 1 ml/L five days after sand and ash application and a second spray of thiamethoxam 12.6 % + lambda-cyhalothrin 9.5 % @ 0.5 ml/L 15 days later, was the most effective. This module significantly reduced the number of damaged leaves, larvae and holes, followed by modules I and II. Module IV also achieved the highest yields (81 q/ha in Rabi and 63 q/ha in Kharif) and benefit-cost ratios (1:2.85 in Rabi and 1:2.29 in Kharif). The economic viability of integrated management strategies for FAW was assessed over three consecutive years in the eastern region of India. Results consistently demonstrated their potential for sustainable FAW management, highlighting cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits. These findings support the adoption of integrated approaches to mitigate FAW infestations while ensuring economic sustainability for farmers.