Fall armywarm has been emerged as one of the most destructive pest in maize crop. Due to rapid attack and destruction, farmers have widely relied on insecticides as an immediate and effective method to reduce crop damage. Insecticides play a crucial role in suppressing early larval stages of FAW, preventing severe leaf feeding and whorl damage. However, due to the FAW high reproductive rate and ability to develop resistance, the choice of insecticide, correct dose, and proper application timing have become essential for successful management. Farmers generally use selective insecticides such as Emamectin Benzoate, Spinetoram, Chlorantraniliprole and combinations that target FAW larvae effectively while minimizing harm to beneficial insects. But which of the used insecticides are best for use against FAW? How we can avoid development of resistance in FAW against insecticides?
To answer these questions, various practices should be followed to avoid destruction of crop and insecticides resistance. All three insecticides i.e. Emamectin Benzoate, Spinetoram and Chlorantraniliprole are effective for control of fall armywarm. Among them, Spinetoram is widely used by farmers due to its quick action and high efficacy. However, excessive and repeated use of Spinetoram can lead to a major concern, the development of insecticide resistance in Fall Armyworm populations.
Insecticidal resistance is most important and concerning issue that every farmer should know. Insecticidal resistance among insects occur due to various factors as follows-
Repeated use of same insecticide:-
Repeated use of same chemical leads to adaptation and survival of pests.
Incorrect dose:-
Resistance in pests is generally developing due to use of higher or lower dose of insecticides used by farmers.
Frequent and unnecessary spraying:-
Farmers many times do spraying without monitoring pest attack level; this unnecessary spraying develops resistance among pests.
High reproductive rate of pests:-
Pest reproduces very quickly results in resistance genes spread faster in its population.
Use of broad spectrum insecticides:-
These chemicals lead to destruction of natural enemies like rove beetles, ladybug beetles and assassin bugs.
There are many recommendations to avoid development of resistance in pest are as follows
- Rotation of insecticides
- Use of correct recommended dose of insecticide
- Spray only when required
- Use of selective insecticides
- Avoid mixing of multiple insecticides
- Avoid use of low quality/fake products
- Use of Integrated pest management