Occurrence, Seasonal abundance and Infestation Level of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) - (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Sudan

Abstract

A field survey was done in three different agricultural areas in Sudan (Khartoum, Sinnar and New Halfa) to determine the occurrence, seasonal abundance and population density of Fall Armyworm (FAW),(Spodoptera frugiperda) during the periods from July 2018 - June 2019 and from June 2019 – July 2020. Synthetic pheromone traps produced by Russell IPM, UK were used to estimate the presence, seasonal abundance and infestation level of FAW. The traps were checked every week during the period of experiment. The Analysis of collected data from three agricultural areas (Shambat, ELfaki Hashim and Soba) in Khartoum State showed that the significant highest population peak number of Fall Armyworm (FAW) was recorded in late Autumn months (August and September) followed by early winter months (November and December). While, the number of the insect decreased in late winter months (January and February) and the prolong declined was achieved in summer months (March and June). In Sinnar and New Halfa the FAW population was affected by the fluctuation of rain fall, the highest number occurred in rainy months (July to September). In general high infestation rate and damage were recorded in plants sown in autumn season (August and September) and early winter season (November and December) while low infestation rate was recorded in the late winter (January and February). From March to June FAW infestation had declined gradually to an undetectable level. In conclusion these results approved that FAW is the predominant and destructive pest during fall and winter seasons and infestation level depends on the weather condition and sowing date.