Occurrence and Seasonal Dynamics of the Bio-control Agents of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith on Maize Varieties in Benin City
NJE Vol. 42(1) : 16-15, 2026
DOI.10.36108/NJE/6202/24.0120
OMOREGIE, M. E.a*, ENOBAKHARE, D. A.a, LAW-OGBOMO, K. E. a and OMOREGIE, A. O.b
aDepartment of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
bDepartment of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Abstract
The production of maize in sub-Saharan Africa faces serious threats from the fall armyworm (FAW). Since its arrival to Nigeria in 2016, its rapid spread and destructive feeding habits have raised urgent concerns for effective control. This research assessed the biological control capacity of FAW natural enemies through seasonal field observations in Benin City, Edo State. Field trials were conducted in 2020 and 2021 at the University of Benin Experimental Farm. A split-plot design involving four maize varieties and fifteen sampling intervals (days after sowing, DAS) were used. Arthropod predators were monitored through direct plant sampling, while parasitoids were identified from laboratory rearing of FAW egg masses and larvae. Data were analyzed using Aanalysis of Variance and T-tests. Natural enemies recorded included insect predators from the families Forficulidae, Formicidae, Pentatomidae, Coccinellidae, and Blatellidae, spiders (Araneae), and parasitoids from Platygastridae, Braconidae, and Trombidiidae. Abundance did not vary significantly across maize varieties but differed with crop growth stages and between years. Predator peaks occurred at 65 DAS (1.22) and 75 DAS (5.50) in early and late season in the year 2020, and 65 DAS (6.79) in early 2021. Parasitoids’ peaks were observed at 30 DAS (1.54) in early 2020, and at 30 DAS (0.64) and 15 DAS (0.87) in early and late 2021, respectively. These results highlight the ecological importance of natural enemies and their potential integration into sustainable pest management strategies for maize production in the region.
Keywords: Biological control, Fall armyworm, Maize production, Natural enemies, Seasonal variation