SEASONAL INCIDENCE AND IMPACT OF SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA (J. E. SMITH) ON SMALL SCALE FARMERS OF MAGADH DIVISION

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith 1797), commonly known as the fall armyworm (FAW), has emerged as one of the most destructive invasive insect pests threatening agricultural production and the livelihoods of small-scale farmers worldwide. The present study was conducted to investigate the seasonal incidence and assess the impact of S. frugiperda on small-scale farmers of the Magadh division, Bihar. A multistage sampling approach was adopted to survey 150 small-scale farmers across the five districts of the Magadh division, namely Gaya, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Nawada, and Arwal. Weekly field observations were recorded following Standard Meteorological Weeks (SMWs) to determine seasonal pest incidence, while meteorological data were used to evaluate the influence of abiotic factors on pest population dynamics. Information regarding farmers' socio economic characteristics, pest awareness, management practices, and economic losses was collected through a structured interview schedule. The results indicated that S. frugiperda was widely distributed throughout the Magadh division, with peak infestation occurring during the whorl stage of crop growth. Pest incidence exhibited a positive relationship with temperature and relative humidity, indicating the significant influence of prevailing weather conditions on seasonal population development. Farmers reported considerable crop damage, increased expenditure on pest management, and noticeable reductions in farm income due to fall armyworm infestation. Chemical insecticides were the predominant control measure adopted, whereas the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices remained comparatively low. High pesticide costs, inadequate technical knowledge, and limited extension support were identified as the major constraints in effective pest management. The study highlights the need for region-specific pest surveillance, weather-based forecasting systems, strengthened extension services, and wider adoption of integrated pest management strategies to reduce economic losses and improve the resilience of small-scale farming systems in the Magadh division.