Comparison of the effectiveness of chemical and biological agents for the emergency control of Spodoptera frugiperda in the field.

Abstract

[Objectives] To determine the relative efficacy of 28 chemical and biological agents for controlling Spodoptera frugiperda in maize (Zea mays L.) fields. [Methods] Entire maize plants at the large trumpet stage were evenly sprayed using conventional spray methods and the number of S. frugiperda larvae on labeled plants determined 1 day before, and 1, 3 and 7, days after, application. [Results] Chemical pesticides were the most effective at controlling S. frugiperda. Biological agents were not as effective, which we suspect is related to their mode of action. [Conclusion] Of the chemical agents evaluated, eight, spinetoram, emamectin benzoate, chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, methoxyfenozide, cyfluthrin, spinetoram.m-ethoxyfenozide and indoxacarb.methoxyfenozide, were the most effective at controlling S. frugiperda in maize fields.