Applications of sugar solutions to maize, and the impact of natural enemies on Fall Armyworm

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Abstract
Natural enemy abundance and impact on fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), populations were compared in sugar-treated and water-treated maize fields in Honduras. Counts of natural enemy abundance were made immediately after and also 1 week following sugar applications. Higher numbers of natural enemies were found in sugar-treated maize than in maize treated with water alone. The most abundant species were Solenopsis geminata (F.) (Hymenoptera; Formicidae), Lespesia archippivora (Riley) (Diptera; Tachinidae) and Doru taeniatum (Dorhn) (Dermaptera; Forficulidae). Of these species, S. geminata and L. archippivora showed consistently higher numbers in sugar-treated maize than in water-trated maize. Coccinellids were also consistently concentrated in sugar-treated maize, although they were not as abundant as either S. geminata and L. archippivora . In sugartreated maize, average leaf area damaged by fall armyworm was reduced by 35% and average fall armyworm infestation rates were 18% lower. These findings suggest that applications of sugar to maize can concentrate natural enemies and that these natural enemies reduce fall armyworm populations and damage.

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