Identification of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), effects of farmer’s management tools and Neem Oil Doses on fall armyworms in the Mangoun locality, Foumbot Subdivision, Cameroon

Abstract

The abusive use of chemical insecticides poses a threat to humans. The use of botanical insecticides in combating crop pests is now an  alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the damage caused by fall armyworms (FAW) in relation to planting dates, maize varieties,  insecticides in farmers’ fields and the effect of neem oil doses for their control in the Noun department. Neem oil at three doses (3, 5, 7 L/ ha) was compared with a synthetic insecticide, Emamectin benzoate. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block  design with five treatments replicated five times. Total number of leaves per plant, and number of leaves, whorls, and stems attacked  were recorded. Results indicated an average attack rate of 20.29 ± 1.27%. However, leaf infestation rates varied among farmers  depending on the variety used, planting date, and insecticide application. The 7 L/ha neem dose had the greatest impact on FAW,  followed by the moderate dose (5 L/ha) and then the lowest dose (3 L/ha). Leaf infestation rates at the end of the experiment were 21.69  ± 0.89%, 16.66 ± 1.60%, and 9.89 ± 1.30% for neem3, neem5, and neem7 respectively. Neem7 showed effectiveness comparable to that of  synthetic insecticide. Therefore, neem at 7 L/ha presents an alternative solution for combating FAW.