AVOIDABLE YIELD LOSSES DUE TO FALL ARMYWORM (SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA SMITH) ON QUALITY PROTEIN MAIZE VARIETIES AT SAMARU, ZARIA NIGERIA

Abstract

Two different set of field experiments (protected and unprotected) were conducted concurrently in 2019 and 2020 wet seasons to estimate avoidable yield losses due to Fall Armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda using five Quality Protein Maize (QPM) varieties (SAMMAZ 14, SAMMAZ 17, SAMMAZ 32, SAMMAZ 33, and SAMMAZ 36). The experiments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated four times. Results of T-test showed that, in the two seasons, protected plots recorded significantly lower damage parameters and higher grain yield than the unprotected plots. Mean percent incidence of FAW recorded was higher when the varieties were unprotected (42.50 and 38.50 %) compared to those protected (37.50 and 25.50 %). Likewise, mean leaf damage rating under unprotected condition (2.62 and 2.57) was higher compared to those protected (2.40 and 2.28). Similarly, mean percent cob damage (32.50 and 28.00 %) was higher in the unprotected plots than the protected plots (21.00 and 19.50 %). Cob damage rating (2.75 and 2.69) was also significantly higher when the varieties were left unprotected compared to protected varieties (2.58 and 2.36). Higher grain yield was recorded in protected plots (3450.00 and 3741.67 kg/ha), while, lower yield (2541.67 and 2616.67 kg/ha) was recorded from unprotected plots. Highest avoidable grain yield losses of 29.33 and 32.10 % in 2019 and 2020 respectively was prevented on SAMMAZ 33 by spraying with Belt Expert (Flubendiamide 240 g/L + Thiacloprid 240 g/L) insecticide. Application of Belt Expert insecticide therefore prevented the highest yield losses that could occurred on SAMMAZ 33 when left unprotected