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FALL ARMYWORM SYMPTOMS AND MANAGEMENT Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) |
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| LIFE CYCLE:: Females lay
egg clusters on grass blades, other green plants, twigs, fences,
sides of buildings, or any light colored object near turf. Eggs
hatch in 7-10 days during cool weather and in 2-3 days during
hot weather. Larvae mature in about 12 days during summer and
4 weeks during cool weather. Older larvae will pupate in the
soil, and new moths will emerge in 9-20 days depending on temperature.
Only 23-28 days required to complete a generation during mid-summer. FEEDING SYMPTOMS: Scrap underside of leaf blades, leaving a clear upper skeletal epidermal layer; chew leaf margins, leaving a tattered look. Large larvae will eat all leaf material down to crown region. |
MANAGEMENT: Halofenozide (MACH 2)—an insect growth regulator/molt accelerator—and spinosad (CONSERVE) are effective chemical controls. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and neem (azadirachtin) may provide some control of small larvae (do not irrigate). Avoid mowing for at least 1-3 days after application of insecticides. Apply in the afternoon and avoid irrigating over night. Liquid sprays are more effective than granular applications. Contact insecticides: acephate (ORTHENE), azadirachtin (TURPLEX), chlorpyrifos (DURSBAN), cyfluthrin (TEMPO), fluvalinate (MAVRIK, YARDEX), isazofos (TRIUMPH), isofenphos (OFTANOL), trichlorfon (DYLOX, PROXOL), tebufenozide (CONFIRM). Biorational products: entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernem carpocapsae)--apply in early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat or direct sunlight. Irrigate to moisten soil and thatch; then again immediately after application, before spray droplets dry. |