Not AvailableMaize (Zea mays L.) is affected by various biotic and
abiotic stresses in India. Among biotic factors, in addition
to stem borers, outbreak of an invasive pest, fall armyworm
(FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) observed in
India in 2018 . This important whorl feeder and yield limiting
pest has spread to major maize producing states of India
. It was first reported outside Americas
in Central and West African countries in 2016 and later on
spread to almost all sub-Saharan African countries. FAW
is highly polyphagous, migratory with wide host range
(>350 plant species) with strong preference for maize. The
larvae feed on different parts of the plant and cause serious
damage resulting in yield reduction of 14.3–22.7% at the
early whorl stage. Thorough knowledge
on life history traits, population dynamics and mortality
factors are essential for the development of integrated pest
management strategies in India.Not Availabl
