Title: Conquering the Armyworm invasion, exploring

effective IPM strategies against Armyworm on Maize

Abstract:
Armyworm, a pervasive pest affecting maize globally, comprises larvae from multiple moth
species. Recognized for destructive feeding habits, particularly in agriculture, they inflict
substantial harm on crops like corn, wheat, and rice. Farmers employ diverse methods, such as
Integrated Pest Management (IPM), incorporating biological control, cultural practices,
mechanical methods, and targeted pesticide use. The caterpillar stage is especially detrimental
due to intense feeding. Cultural practices like crop rotation, plowing, and trap crops disrupt
their life cycle. IPM aims to balance pest control efficacy while minimizing environmental
impact. Ongoing research explores sustainable strategies like pheromone traps, bio pesticide,
and genetic approaches for enhanced armyworm management, alongside the judicious use of
chemicals.

Introduction:
Armyworm is a major pest of maize now a day and spread all over the world and is a common
name for the larvae of several moth species. They are agricultural pests that can cause
significant damage to crops and refers to the larvae of certain moth species. They are known for
their destructive feeding habits, particularly in agricultural settings. They can cause significant
damage to crops such as corn, wheat, and rice. Farmers often employ various pest control
methods to manage armyworm infestations and protect their crops. Armyworms feed on the
leaves, stems, and sometimes even the grain or fruit of plants. Their feeding can lead to
significant defoliation, reduced crop yields, and economic losses for farmers and go
through various stages of development, including egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult
moth. The caterpillar stage is the most destructive, as this is when they feed heavily.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach to pest control that focuses on using a
combination of techniques to manage pests, including armyworm. These techniques may
include biological control
(using natural enemies), cultural practices (such as crop rotation), mechanical methods (like
handpicking), and judicious use of pesticides when necessary. IPM aims to minimize the impact
on the environment while effectively managing pest populations. There are several methods for
controlling armyworm infestations. These include cultural practices like crop rotation, biological
control using natural enemies, and the judicious use of pesticides when necessary.
Some cultural practices to control armyworm include crop rotation, plowing, and the use of trap
crops. Crop rotation involves planting different crops in a specific sequence to disrupt the life
cycle of armyworms. Plowing helps to expose and destroy armyworm pupae in the soil. Trap
crops are plants that are attractive to armyworms and are planted to lure them away from main
crops, reducing damage. These practices can help manage armyworm populations without
relying heavily on pesticides.
It’s important to implement an integrated approach to effectively manage armyworm
populations while minimizing environmental impact. Researchers are studying various control
strategies, including the use of pheromone traps, bio pesticides, and genetic approaches, to
develop more sustainable and effective methods. Some chemical control are Chlorpyrifos
sulprofos, and thiodicarb are relatively new materials.

Review literature:
Armyworms are a type of pest that can cause significant damage to crops, particularly grasses
and cereals. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach to controlling invasions and
other pests in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner Armyworms are
destructive pests that can cause significant agricultural and economic damage and are named
for their behavior of marching in large groups from one feeding site to another, which
armyworm resembles an army on the move. They are typically brown, gray, or greenish in
color and can vary in size. (PM Matova, CN Kamutando, C Magorokosho…)

Some armyworm species are known for their migratory behavior. They can travel long
distances
In search of food. WAN Jing, C HUANG, C LI, H ZHOU, Y REN)

Agricultural authorities and farmers often employ monitoring systems and pest alerts to detect
armyworm outbreaks early. Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, such
as crop rotation and planting resistant crop varieties, can help reduce the impact of armyworm
infestations. The use of chemical pesticides to control armyworms can have environmental and
ecological consequences, including harm to non-target species and soil contamination.
Therefore, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly pest
management practices. It's essential to address armyworm invasions promptly to protect crops
and food supplies. Agriculture experts, governments, and international organizations work
together to develop strategies for early detection and effective management of these pests to
minimize their impact on food production and security. The use of chemical pesticides to
control armyworms can have environmental and ecological consequences, including harm to
non-target species and soil contamination. Therefore, there is a growing emphasis on
sustainable and environmentally friendly pest management. (ZR Khan, JO Pittchar, CAO Midega)
Results:
References:

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