Studies on host range of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) under laboratory conditions

Studies on host range of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) were undertaken at University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during 2018-19 under laboratory conditions. The result revealed that all the seven tested crops served as hosts for the fall armyworm. The lowest larval duration was observed on sorghum (18.5 days) followed by maize (19.8 days) while, highest larval period was recorded on cabbage (29.40 days). More number of eggs are laid on maize (680 eggs/female) followed by sorghum (650 eggs/female). However, no eggs were laid on cabbage, cotton and groundnut. The maximum larval survivability was observed on maize (48%) followed by wheat (46%) and sorghum (40%) while, lowest survivability was observed on cabbage (20%). Overall studies revealed that maize is the most preferred host followed by wheat and sorghum. Whereas, cabbage, groundnut and cotton are less preferred for growth and development.