EFFICACY OF SELECTED SYNTHETIC INSECTICIDES FOR THE CONTROL OF FALL ARMYWORM (SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA) IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) AFGOI, SOMALIA
Authors: Osman Sid Abdullahi, Amin Osman Abikar, Zakariye Hassan Farah, Sahal Hassan Abdullahi and Mohamed Khadar Abdi
Osman Sid Abdullahi: Faculty of Agriculture, Benadir University, Somalia & Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Amin Osman Abikar: Faculty of Agriculture, Benadir University, Somalia.
Zakariye Hassan Farah: Faculty of Agriculture, Benadir University, Somalia.
Sahal Hassan Abdullahi: Faculty of Agriculture, Benadir University, Somalia.
Mohamed Khadar Abdi: Faculty of Agriculture, Benadir University, Somalia.
ABSTRACT
The study evaluated the efficacy of two synthetic insecticides, Ampligo 150 ZC and Match 050 EC, each applied at three different dosages against Fall armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) infestation in Maze under the field conditions in Afgoi, Somalia. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used, with treatments including six insecticide dose combinations and one control. Data on leaf damage scores and live larvae per plant were collected across three spray rounds. Statistical analysis used ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests to assess treatment effects. Results showed significant differences in both leaf damage and larval counts among treatments (P < 0.001). Ampligo 150 ZC consistently outperformed Match 050 EC across all rounds, with 5mL/10L and 7.5 mL/10L doses showing the lowest leaf damage and larval survival. In contrast, untreated control plots showed the highest infestation levels. While Match 050 EC showed moderate effectiveness, its performance was inconsistent, particularly at higher doses. The findings revealed Ampligo 150 ZC as a highly effective option for managing Fall armyworm in smallholder maize systems. However, the study underscores the need for caution regarding synthetic pesticide reliance due to potential health risks and resistance development. Future research should incorporate yield and cost-benefit analyses and explore integration into broader integrated pest management strategies. These results offer critical insights for enhancing food security through improved pest control practices in Somalia’s maize production systems.
Keywords: Fall Armyworm, Synthetic Insecticides, Ampligo 150ZC, Match 050 EC, Maize