Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a destructive pest, primarily affecting maize but also attacking crops like rice, sorghum, and cotton. It was first reported in India in 2018 in Karnataka, but it has since spread nationwide. This study, conducted at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, during 2023 – 2024, examined the effect of weather parameters such as (temperature, relative humidity (RH) and rainfall) on the population dynamics of key maize pests in Northwest India. Purposive sampling was used to monitor S. frugiperda populations, employing a diagonal sampling method where for Chilo partellus and Sesamia inferens destructive sampling techniques were used from 20 m × 20 m sampling units. Ten plants per sample unit (5 m × 5 m) were inspected weekly. FAW incidence peaked during the 26th and 27th standard meteorological weeks (SMW), while C. partellus was most abundant in the 29th and 27th SMW. S. inferens populations were highest in the 26th and 27th SMW. FAW was the most dominant species, causing slight to moderate damage (0 – 20%) to young leaves. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) of 1.08 in 2023 and 1.07 in 2024 indicates moderate pest diversity, highlighting a stable pest community structure across the two years. This study identifies peak infestation periods for major pests of maize, enabling timely and targeted pest control. The dominance of FAW and weather-related pest dynamics offer crucial insights for developing region-specific integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Timely pest management based on these insights can help farmers reduce crop losses and ensure sustainable maize production in Northwest India.
doi: 10.17756/jfcn.2025-s1-002
Citation: Sonawane VK, Gharde SK, Ghodekar KS. 2025. Weather-driven Pest Dynamics in Punjab: How Biodiversity and Climate Impact on Maize and Food Security. J Food Chem Nanotechnol 11(S1): S8-S14.
Downloads