Maize Farmers’ Knowledge and Management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frupigerda) in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated maize farmers’ knowledge, control methods, and perception of the invasive and highly destructive insect pest – fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in southwest Nigeria. A four-stage sampling procedure was employed in selecting 195 maize farmers in the study area. Data were obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using percentages, means, standard deviations, and chi-square test. The majority of respondents (88.7%) observed fall armyworm attack within two months after sowing but only 30.8% reported total damage to maize plants by the pest. Most of the respondents (75.9%) could describe the destructive larval stage of fall armyworm. Also, 58.5% of respondents exclusively applied synthetic insecticides for fall armyworm control. The most common insecticides used by respondents were organophosphates (37.2%), pyrethroids (29.0%) and avermectins (18.2%). Majority of the maize farmers (82.4 %) perceived fall armyworm damage as a serious and worrisome problem. Also, strong and significant association (?2 = 41.3, P < 0.001) was found between farmers’ agroecological zones and the severity of fall armyworm damage reported. Information provide in the study could guide appropriate decision-making for fall armyworm management interventions in southwest Nigeria.