INTERACTION BETWEEN Baculovirus spodoptera AND NATURAL ENEMIES ON THE SUPPRESSION OF Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. SMITH) (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) IN MAIZE

Abstract

The impact of the application of the Baculovirus spodoptera (2.5 x 1011 polyhedra/ha), a nuclear polyhedrosis virus, on maize crop and the possible additional contribution of natural control agents to the management of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were evaluated. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with seven B. spodoptera treatments (at two days application intervals, beginning four days after artificial infestation with fall armyworm egg masses and finishing after 16 days), and five replications. The main natural enemies found in the experimental area were Chelonus insularis (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Eiphosoma laphygmae Costa Lima (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), egg/larval and larval parasitoid, respectively, and Doru luteipes Scudder (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), predator of eggs and larvae. Along with NPV, the natural enemies provided a good control of the target insect reducing the damage caused by S. frugiperda larvae in maize plants.

Keywords

• biological control
• nuclear polyhedrosis virus
• parasitoids
• predators
• fall armyworm