Development and Reproduction of Fall Armyworms 1 on Several Wild Grasses 2

Abstract

We studied the development and fecundity of Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) on 16 food plants and an artificial bean diet. We found highly significant differences in the amount of food consumed, larval duration, pupal weights, and egg production. Goosegrass, Eleusine indica (L.). Gaertn., large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., vaseygrass, Paspalum urvillei Steud., and coastal bermudagrass Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., were the most suitable hosts for fall armyworm growth and development. Yellow nutsedge, Cyperus esculentus L., Cyperus globulosus Aubl., and Texas panicum, Panicum texanum Buckl., were the least suitable.