ARCHIVES
VOL. 10, ISSUE 9 (2025)
First report of fall armyworm, Spodoptera Frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) incidence on oil palm and coconut and its interactive effect on maize-coconut intercrop system at Kusi in Ghana
Authors
Charles Amankwa Adzim, Mary Akpe Eddy Doh, Joshua Obeng, Hanif Lutuf, Benedict Dzakey
Abstract
Oil palm and coconut are essential crops in
Ghana, but they are vulnerable to various pests. This study reports the first
occurrence of fall armyworm (FAW) feeding on oil palm and coconut seedlings at
the CSIR-Oil Palm Research Institute in Kade. It also evaluates the interactive
effect of FAW on cropping patterns. A phytosanitary survey of oil palm and
coconut seedlings at the nursery revealed signs of FAW caterpillar feeding,
similar to those seen in maize. A confirmation test identified the pest as FAW,
which the Ministry of Food and Agriculture later validated in partnership with
CABI-Ghana. Incidence and severity tests showed a 90% infestation rate on oil
palm and coconut seedlings. Three cropping patterns were tested to explore
intercropping effects: sole coconut (control), sole maize, and coconut-maize
combinations over a 0.4ha area each from September 2022 to February 2023. FAW
activity on coconut and maize was monitored weekly, focusing on damage
assessments, presence or absence of pests, and activities of non-target
organisms. The ANOVA results showed no significant difference in fall armyworm
populations among the different cropping systems; F (2,18) = 1.340, p = 0.287.
The data indicated that FAW populations were lowest in sole coconut (0), higher
in coconut-maize (24), and highest in sole maize (44). Feeding was mainly
observed on maize, with no damage to coconut. Monthly data showed peak FAW
populations from October to January, followed by declines in February and
March, with a total of 7,017 recorded non-target organisms, including pests and
predators. The study confirmed FAW's first occurrence on oil palm and coconut
seedlings and suggests that intercropping maize with coconut does not harm
transplanted coconut.
Download
Pages:21-27
How to cite this article:
Charles Amankwa Adzim, Mary Akpe Eddy Doh, Joshua Obeng, Hanif Lutuf, Benedict Dzakey "First report of fall armyworm, <i>Spodoptera Frugiperda </i>(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) incidence on oil palm and coconut and its interactive effect on maize-coconut intercrop system at Kusi in Ghana". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 9, 2025, Pages 21-27
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.