Impact of morphological parameters on intensity of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) in different genotypes of maize
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jefa.2026.21.1.12Keywords:
Fall armyworm, maize, morphological parameter, resistance.Abstract
The study was aimed to screen various maize varieties and cultivars for resistance against the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith). As an essential component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), insect-resistant cultivars offer an economical, stable, and environmentally friendly approach to minimize damage from this invasive pest. The research focused on evaluating the role of morphological traits in host plant resistance, as these traits influence the suitability of maize for feeding and oviposition by the fall armyworm. The stem colour was categorized as light green, light brown, light pink, dark pink, and green. Its role in host plant resistance was assessed alongside other morphological traits, including leaf colour, leaf angle, leaf arrangement, presence of tillers, sheath tightness, plant height, and the phenological stages of pest damage. Results indicated that certain morphometric parameters, including stem colour, leaf colour, stem-to-leaf angle, leaf arrangement, presence of tillers, stem tightness, and plant height, contributed to reduced larval populations and damage. Specifically, maize genotypes with a green or light pink stem, medium green leaves, a stem-to-leaf angle of less than 30°, symmetrical leaf arrangement, tight stem type, moderate plant height and the presence of tillers exhibited lower levels of leaf damage. Similarly, cob damage was reduced in genotypes with dark pink or green stems, medium green leaves, stem-to-leaf angle between 30° and 45°, and tight stem type. However, tiller presence had no significant impact on cob damage. These findings emphasized the importance of morphological traits in developing maize cultivars with enhanced resistance to fall armyworm, contributing to sustainable pest management strategies.
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