Species composition and relative abundance of predatory natural enemies of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) at various growth stages of maize (Zea mays) crops in conventional fields

ASIRI  SINGHAMUNI; AZIDAH ABDUL  AZIZ; NURUL ASHIKIN ABDULLAH

doi:10.56093/ijas.v96i5.167617

Authors

ASIRI SINGHAMUNI Institute of Biological Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
AZIDAH ABDUL AZIZ Institute of Biological Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
NURUL ASHIKIN ABDULLAH Institute of Biological Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v96i5.167617

Keywords:

Maize, Predatory insects, Spodoptera frugiperda

Abstract

Understanding the composition and abundance of predatory insects targeting S. frugiperda in maize (Zea mays L.) at various growth stages is crucial for developing effective management strategies. Therefore, this study investigates the species composition and abundance of predatory natural enemy insects at different growth stages of maize crops in conventional agricultural fields in Sungai Burong, Tanjung Karang, Selangor, Malaysia. A field experiment was conducted from September 2023 to February 2025. Results revealed four predatory insect species: Sycanus dichotomus Stal (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), Micraspis discolour Fabricius, Harmonia octomaculata Fabricius and Cheilomenus sexmaculata Fabricius (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), which act as predators of S. frugiperda. Additionally, larvae of three coccinellids were identified as predators of S. frugiperda in the field. In contrast, S. dichotomus nymphs, which also prey on S. frugiperda, were not found in maize plantations. The composition of predatory insect species did not significantly change with the maize crop’s growth stages, except for S. dichotomus. However, the mean abundance of predatory insects varied significantly (F = 408.60; df = 9,290; p<0.001) across different growth stages of the maize crop, with the crops at the flowering stage (8 weeks old) showing the highest mean abundance of predatory insects. The results indicate that the species composition and abundance are relatively linked to the different developmental phases of the maize crop, with the lowest abundance of predatory insects observed in the immature stages and the highest abundance recorded in mature maize plants.

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