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Comparative efficacy of nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) alone and in conjunction with chemical insecticides against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) under laboratory conditions

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Abstract

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera), is one of the most damaging pest affecting a variety of crops, especially maize. Insecticides are the primary tool for controlling S. frugiperda in corn, but when used indiscriminately, they pollute the environment. This study investigated the compatibility of a nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) with selected insecticides against S. frugiperda under laboratory conditions. The insect culture was initiated from field-collected larvae, and subsequent generations were maintained in laboratory. Four insecticides, chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, spinetoram, and cypermethrin, were applied at sublethal concentrations. NPV was isolated from infected larvae, and its concentration was determined. The combination of lethal NPV concentration (1 × 109 POB ml− 1) with sublethal spinetoram (10 ppm) exhibited synergistic effects, resulting in maximum larval mortality (86.66%). Similar synergistic effects were observed with lethal NPV concentrations, sublethal chlorantraniliprole (3 ppm), and emamectin benzoate (5 ppm). LC50 values indicated increased susceptibility of 2nd instar larvae compared to 3rd instar larvae. Combining lethal doses of NPV with sub-lethal doses of the above-mentioned insecticides showed improved efficacy compared to individual applications. The study highlights the potential of combining NPV with sublethal concentrations of insecticides, particularly spinetoram, emamectin benzoate, and chlorantraniliprole, for enhanced and sustainable control of S. frugiperda. The observed synergistic effects in these combinations present a promising strategy for effective integrated pest management.

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Data availability

All the data have been provided in the main text of the manuscript.

Abbreviations

AAU:

Anand Agricultural University

AICRP:

All India Coordinated Research Project

EC:

Emulsifiable concentration

FAW:

Fall armyworm

NPV:

Nucleopolyhedrovirus

POBs:

Polyhedral Occlusion Bodies

RD:

Recommended Dose

SC:

Soluble Concentrate

SfNPV:

Spodoptera frugiperda NPV

SG:

Soluble granules

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Entomology, B.A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, 388 110, Anand, Gujarat, India

    J. S. Pavan & A. M. Baldaniya

  2. AICRP on Biological Control of Crop Pest, Anand Agricultural University, 388 110, Anand, Gujarat, India

    Nainesh B Patel

  3. AICRP on Biological Control of Crop Pest, Anand Agricultural University, 388 110, Anand, Gujarat, India

    B. L. Raghunandan

  4. Bidi Tobacco Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, 388 110, Anand, Gujarat, India

    N. A. Bhatt

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Contributions

JSP: Methodology, Investigation Software analysis, Writing- Original draft preparation, Validation, Formal analysis, NBP: Conceptualization, Visualization, Methodology, Data curation, Supervision, Reviewing and Editing. RBL: Methodology, Data curation, Supervision, Reviewing and Editing. AMB&NAB: Investigation Software analysis, Formal analysis, Reviewing and Editing.

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Correspondence to Nainesh B Patel.

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Pavan, J.S., Patel, N.B., Raghunandan, B.L. et al. Comparative efficacy of nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) alone and in conjunction with chemical insecticides against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) under laboratory conditions. Int J Trop Insect Sci (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-024-01258-w

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