Effectiveness of Push–Pull Systems to Fall Armyworm (<i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i>) Management in Maize Crops in Morelos, Mexico

• Main Authors: Ouorou Ganni Mariel Guera, Federico Castrejón-Ayala, Norma Robledo, Alfredo Jiménez-Pérez, Georgina Sánchez-Rivera, Lilia Salazar-Marcial, Hilda Elizabet Flores Moctezuma
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-03-01
• Series: Insects
• Subjects: agroecology; attractive plants; repellent plants; sustainability
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/12/4/298

Chemical control is the main method used to combat fall armyworm in maize crops. However, its indiscriminate use usually leads to a more complex scenario characterized by loss of its effectiveness due to the development of resistance of the insect pest, emergence of secondary pests, and reduction of the populations of natural enemies. For this reason, efforts to develop strategies for agroecological pest management such as Push–Pull are increasingly growing. In this context, the present study was carried out to evaluate field effectiveness of Push–Pull systems for <i>S</i>. <i>frugiperda</i> management in maize crops in Morelos, Mexico. In a randomized block experiment, the incidence and severity of <i>S</i>. <i>frugiperda</i>, the development and yield of maize were evaluated in nine Push–Pull systems and a maize monoculture. The Push–Pull systems presented incidence/severity values lower than those of the monoculture. Morphological development and maize yield in the latter were lower than those of most Push–Pull systems. <i>Mombasa</i>—<i>D</i>. <i>ambrosioides</i>, <i>Mulato II</i>—<i>T</i>. <i>erecta</i>, <i>Mulato II</i>—<i>C</i>. <i>juncea</i>, <i>Tanzania</i>—<i>T</i>. <i>erecta</i> and <i>Tanzania</i>—<i>D</i>. <i>ambrosioides</i> systems presented higher yields than those of monocultures.