Maize farmers’ knowledge and management of fall armyworm (<i>Spodoptera frupigerda</i>) 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 and analysed using percentages, means, standard deviations, and chi-square test. The majority (88.7%) of respondents observed fall armyworm attack within two months after sowing, only 30.8% of them reported total damage to maize plants by fall armyworm. Most (75.9%) of the respondents could describe the destructive larval stage of fall armyworm, 58.5% of respondents exclusively applied synthetic insecticides for fall armyworm management. The most common insecticides used by respondents were organophosphates (37.2%), pyrethroids (29.0%) and avermectins (18.2%). Perception of fall armyworm damage as a serious and worrisome problem was very high (4.82) amongst maize farmers. Strong and significant association (χ2 = 41.3) was found between farmers’ agroecological zones and the severity of fall armyworm damage reported. Integrated pest management approach is a sustainable alternative to the sole use of insecticides and should be promoted. Information provided in the study will enhance decision-making for fall armyworm management interventions in southwest Nigeria.