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Projeto de investigação
The coconut rhinoceros beetles in Mozambique: diversity, trapping systems and associated entomopathogens
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Dynamics and potential for biological control of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Mozambique
Publication . Caniço, Albasini Joaquim; Mexia, António Maria Marques; Santos, Luisa Maria Kingwell Alcântara
The fall armyworm (FAW), is an alien polyphagous insect pest with origin in Americas, where it has more than 350 host plants. Although polyphagous, FAW has preference for maize. In 2016, FAW was detected in West and Central Africa and rapidly spread to all Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries including Mozambique. In SSA, maize is a staple food, and the presence of FAW is a direct threat to food security. Although well studied in its native environment, the field behavior of FAW in the new habitat is less known, which makes it difficult to manage. The objectives of the study were: a) to assess the seasonal dynamics of FAW; b) to assess the host range of FAW in the invaded areas; c) to assess the occurrence of native parasitoids of FAW, their parasitism rates and relative abundance, and; d) to assess smallholder farmers’ knowledge and management practices of FAW.
To study its seasonality, 622 maize fields were surveyed for the presence of FAW egg masses and larvae in wet and dry seasons. Population density, infestation and damages were determined. To assess the host range, 35 different crops distributed in 1291 fields were checked for the presence of FAW egg masses and larvae. To verify the possible occurrence of native parasitoids, 101 egg masses and 1444 FAW larvae were collected from maize fields infested with FAW and checked for parasitism. To assess farmers’ knowledge and management practices of FAW, 200 farmers were interviewed through a semi-structured questionnaire
FAW population density, infestation and damages on maize were found to be higher during the dry season. At the time of this study, no evidence was found suggesting that FAW was feeding in crops other than maize because out of 35 crops surveyed, FAW was only recorded on maize. Five larval parasitoids of FAW were recorded but no egg parasitism
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was observed. Coccygidium luteum Brullé (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Drino quadrizonula Thomson (Diptera: Tachinidae) were the primary parasitoid species. Total parasitism was estimated at 9.49% Although most farmers are aware of FAW and its consequences, they are unable to morphologically distinguish FAW from other caterpillars and most of them do not use any method of control against the pest.
Surveys of FAW should be carried out in different parts of the country along several years to generate consistent data on its seasonality and host range. Cultural practices enhancing the performance of local occurring FAW parasitoids should be advocated among smallholder farmers. Farmers should be trained in identification of FAW stages. Results from this study could support some decisions toward a sustainable pest management strategy of FAW in Mozambique.
Farmers’ knowledge, perception and management practices of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith) in Manica province, Mozambique
Publication . Caniço, Albasini; Mexia, António; Santos, Luísa
This study aimed to gather information about farmers’ knowledge, perception and management practices of the newly introduced insect pest, the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Manica province, Mozambique. A total of 200 smallholder farmers with experience in maize cultivation were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The survey was conducted between May and August 2019 in four districts: Macate, Manica, Sussundenga and Vanduzi. Most farmers were unable to morphologically identify fall armyworm (FAW) (from 93.9% in Vanduzi to 98.0% in Manica). Most farmers have experienced FAW damage in their farms (from 92% in Macate to 98.0% in Manica). Maize is mostly planted in October and November (from 44.0% in Sussundenga to 60.0% of farmers in Manica), but the highest infestation period is believed to be between November and February. With the exception of Vanduzi where 65.3% of farmers apply insecticides, most farmers in other districts do not use any method to control FAW (from 60.8% in Macate to 88.0% in Manica and Sussundenga respectively). Among those applying insecticides, from 65.0% in Manica to 75.0% in Vanduzi have confidence in the efficiency of the insecticides being used against FAW. Most farmers reported an increase in the spread of FAW. The lack of financial resources is reported as the main constraint in the fight against FAW. This study is the first of its nature in the province of Manica and provides valuable information that may support extension services and researchers when designing FAW management options for local smallholder farmers
First report of native parasitoids of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Mozambique
Publication . Caniço, Albasini; Mexia, António; Santos, Luísa
The alien invasive insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae),
commonly referred to as fall armyworm (FAW), is causing significant losses to maize production
in Africa since its detection in 2016. As an emergency response, governments in several countries
distributed and/or promoted massive use of synthetic insecticides among smallholder farmers to fight
FAW. The inappropriate use of synthetic insecticides by non-trained and ill-equipped farmers raises
environmental and health concerns. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of native parasitoids of
FAW, their parasitism rates, and relative abundance in the central province of Manica, Mozambique.
A field collection of FAWegg masses and larvae was conducted from May to August 2019 (dry season
of the 2018/2019 cropping season) and in December 2019 and January 2020 (rainy season of 2019/2020
cropping season). A total of 101 egg masses and 1444 larvae of FAW were collected from infested
fields. Five larval parasitoids were recorded, but no egg parasitism was observed. Coccygidium
luteum Brullé (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Drino quadrizonula Thomson (Diptera: Tachinidae)
were the primary parasitoids. Maximum parasitism of 23.68% and 8.86% and relative abundance
of 100 and 96.3 were recorded for C. luteum and D. quadrizonula, respectively. Total parasitism by
di erent parasitoid species was at 9.49%. Cultural practices favoring the action of these parasitoids
should be advocated
Seasonal dynamics of the alien invasive insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Manica Province, Central Mozambique
Publication . Caniço, Albasini; Mexia, António; Santos, Luísa
The alien invasive insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae),
commonly referred to as fall armyworm (FAW), is causing significant losses to maize production in
Africa since its detection in 2016. Despite being the primary insect pest of the main food crop in the
country, researchers have concentrated their e orts on methods of control, and there are no published
studies on its seasonality which could assist farmers in delivering e ective methods of control in
periods of heavy infestations. The primary goal of this study was to assess the seasonal dynamics
of FAW in maize fields. We conducted a field survey from May to August 2019 (dry season of the
2018/2019 cropping season) and in December 2019 and January 2020 (rainy season of the 2019/2020
cropping season) in 622 maize fields. In each field, 20 plants were selected in a “W” pattern and
checked for the presence of FAWegg masses and/or larvae. Plants were also assessed for damage.
Preliminary results show increased infestation, damages, and population density of FAW in the
dry season. Our results suggest that early planting of maize in the primary cropping season may
significantly reduce the infestation and damage by FAW when compared to the dry season
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Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
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SFRH/BD/135260/2017