Fall armyworm research, development and extension for horticulture

Full article in the FAW newsletter

Researchers investigated the potential of the spotted ladybird (Harmonia conformis) as a predator against fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) larvae. Feeding trials showed the ladybirds consumed neonates to second instar larvae but avoided later instars. Olfactometer bioassays revealed that H. conformis was attracted to sweet corn seedlings damaged by larvae, using plant volatiles as cues, while female FAW were not. These findings suggest H. conformis could serve as an effective biological control agent, particularly during early FAW infestations.