Fall armyworm in West Africa: Pheromone trapping and maize infestation three years after invasion

Authors: KOFFI, DJIMA - University Of Ghana; AGBOKA, KOMI - University Of Lome; Meagher, Robert - Rob

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/2/2021
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Fall armyworm, a serious pest in the Western Hemisphere, invaded the African continent in 2016. Since this pest was new, researchers in the West African countries of Ghana and Togo needed to establish monitoring techniques. They collaborated with a scientist from USDA-ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology in Gainesville, Florida, to develop monitoring techniques and to determine the extend of damage to maize in different agricultural habitats in the two countries. Results suggested that bucket-style traps plus a particular pheromone lure were the combination that captured the highest number of moths. Damage to maize plants was initially high in 2016 and 2017, but decreased in 2018.

Technical Abstract: The bucket trap and 3C lure performed best for collecting fall armyworm in Togo, and we suggest that combination for future work on trapping. However, this study should be implemented in different AEZs and crop systems to determine its consistency. The infestation and impact of this new pest to this region decreased in 2018. Has this remained the same in the following years? Future studies will clarify the status of this pest in West Africa, and follow up work will be done on maize damage, population dynamics and movement patterns of fall armyworm.