INFLUENCE OF ENHANCED EFFICIENCY FERTILIZATION ON FALL ARMYWORM (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. SMITH) INFESTATIONS AND AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Fall armyworm (FAW), still remains an important pest of many agricultural crops including corn. There is the need to use environmentally friendly to address this current menace. Field experiment was laid in randomized complete block design with three replications, using nine different fertilization regimes to evaluate the influence of enhanced efficiency fertilization on FAW infestations and agronomic performance of maize. Data were collected on FAW larval abundance, damage incidence and impact on yield. Economic viability of the treatments on maize production was also assessed. Fertilization significantly influenced maize plant growth and development. Unfertilized plot recorded significantly lower larval abundance and damage incidence compared to fertilization regimes, among the fertilization regimes, Yara NPK 15:15:15 (T15) with Croplift Bio basal (CLBb) + Amidas (AMI) with Croplift Bio topdress (CLBt) and Actyva (ACT) with CLBb + sulfan (SUL) + CLBt recorded significantly higher larval abundance and damage incidence whilst the least were recorded from CLBb + CLBt and none YARA NPK (NPK) + Sulphate of ammonia (SOA) + insecticide spray (IS). On grain yield, all the fertilization regimes obtained higher grain yield compared to no fertilization plot, among fertilization plots, CLBb + CLBt recorded significantly lower grain yield, though T15 + CLBb + URE (Urea) + CLBt and ACT + CLBb + Amidas (AMI) + CLBt yielded above all, there was no significant variation. All the fertilization regimes yielded more profit compared to no fertilization plot, among the fertilization regimes, CLBb + CLBt yielded lowest profit and cost benefit ratio, whilst the highest profit and cost-benefit ratio obtained from T15 + CLBb + URE + CLBt. Application of T15 + CLBb + URE + CLBt or ACT + CLBb + AMI + CLBt is recommended for better management of FAW, maximized yield, as well as profit.