Influence of various hosts on the life cycle, morphometrics, feeding and ovipositional preference for invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)

Abstract Influence of diverse natural hosts (major cereals, legumes, Bt cotton, oil seed crops and artificial diet) on the biology, morphometrics, and ovipositional preference of invasive fall armyworm were investigated under laboratory conditions. The results revealed that FAW could complete its life cycle on all the host crops except Bt-cotton. Among the various hosts, Maize was the best suitable host for FAW. It supported FAW for faster development, most robust larvae and pupae, and adults. Among the hosts studied Cotton and Cowpea were least preferred and had adverse effects on FAW growth and development. The order of host preference from most preferred to least preferred host being maize followed sorghum, castor, artificial diet, sunflower, soybean, rice, pearl millet, cotton and cowpea. Our findings can help to redefine the protocols for quicker multiplication of FAW, implement newer Integrated pest management (IPM) programs, develop new forecasting models and to develop new cultural management practices.