Applications of sugar solutions to maize, and the impact of natural enemies on Fall Armyworm

Abstract

Natural enemy abundance and impact on fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), populations were compared in sugar-treated and water-treated maize fields in Honduras. Counts of natural enemy abundance were made immediately after and also 1 week following sugar applications. Higher numbers of natural enemies were found in sugar-treated maize than in maize treated with water alone. The most abundant species were Solenopsis geminata (F.) (Hymenoptera; Formicidae), Lespesia archippivora (Riley) (Diptera; Tachinidae) and Doru taeniatum (Dorhn) (Dermaptera; Forficulidae). Of these species, S. geminata and L. archippivora showed consistently higher numbers in sugar-treated maize than in water-trated maize. Coccinellids were also consistently concentrated in sugar-treated maize, although they were not as abundant as either S. geminata and L. archippivora . In sugartreated maize, average leaf area damaged by fall armyworm was reduced by 35% and average fall armyworm infestation rates were 18% lower. These findings suggest that applications of sugar to maize can concentrate natural enemies and that these natural enemies reduce fall armyworm populations and damage.