Study of the biological parameters of the fall armyworm on maize, millet and sorghum

Spodoptera frugiperda is a voracious, polyphagous invasive pest first reported in Burkina Faso in 2017, and it is infamous for causing significant damage to cultivated crops, including cereals. Understanding its biological parameters is crucial for effective pest management. This study aimed to assess the biological characteristics of S. frugiperda on maize, millet, and sorghum. The research was conducted under laboratory conditions at Nazi BONI University at Nasso site, Burkina Faso, between August 2022 and August 2023. A completely randomized block design was used, consisting of 75 boxes, 25 per crop, each containing a single larva from eggs laid on maize, millet, and sorghum. The larvae were reared under no-choice conditions on their respective host plants until chrysalis formation. Fresh leaves were provided every 48 hours. Visual observations and measurements were taken to asses’ biological parameters such as larva mass, size, leaf consumption, and the duration of each larval stage. The results showed that maize is the most favorable host for S. frugiperda development. Larvae reared on maize had a shorter development time compared to those on sorghum and millet. Development times ranged from 19.80 to 32.09 days on maize, 22.05 to 40.37 days on sorghum, and 25.7 to 46 days on millet. Larvae that fed on maize leaves had the highest average mass (365±43mg), followed by those on sorghum (241±7mg) and millet (206.8±4.6mg). These findings suggest that S. frugiperda development is significantly influenced by diet, with maize being the most suitable host for its growth.