Efficiency of parasitoid flies, entomopathogen and biopesticides in the control of fall armyworm, spodoptera frugiperda on maize crop ecosystem in chitrakoot, district satna, mp, bharat

Background: Maize, Zea mays belongs to the family Poaceae, and its production is affected by many pests. ICAR recognized one of the major pests called fall army worm, Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW) in 2018. The fall armyworm is a severe pest of many cereal, medicinal plants and others crops. The nature of this pest is polymorphic, so the management of FAW for agriculture requires necessary attention. Biological control methods reduce the burden of chemical insecticides in the agriculture field because chemicals reduce taste and nutritional value of food along with soil, water, air pollution and health hazards. Method: In the present study, endoparasitoid (Trichogramma pretiosum), entomopathogen (Beauveria bassiana), and plant based insecticides like neem seed kernel extract have been used as biocontrol agents for the management of fall armyworm. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications. Interpretation and Conclusion: The biological control agents are very effective in the management of FAW. The egg parasitoid Trichogramma pretiosum achieved 44.26% mortality, whereas the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana recorded the highest mortality rate at 46.16% against Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. These findings suggest that B. bassiana demonstrated superior pathogenic potential for larval suppression relative to botanical formulations and parasitoid-based interventions.