ARCHIVES
VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Effect of silicon on food consumption and utilisation indices of fall armyworm in Maize
Authors
Vidya K R, Shiddalingappa V Hugar, C P Mallapur, Vittal B Kuligod
Abstract
Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), a
native species of tropical and subtropical regions of the America invaded into
India quite recently. A study was conducted to know the effect of silicon on
food consumption and utilization pattern of FAW in maize under laboratory
conditions.FAW revealed the lowest consumption and utilization indices when fed
on maize leaves treated with soil application of calcium silicate @ 200 kg/ha
and foliar application of silicic acid @ 0.50 % (CI-0.88, GR-0.13 mg/day,
ECI-8.75 %, ECD-19.25 % and AD-24.25 %).Similar effect was noticed when larvae
fed withsoil application of calcium silicate @ 100 kg/ha(CI-1.27, GR-0.18
mg/day, ECI-12.75 %, ECD-28.25 % and AD-37.25 %).While, the highest consumption
indices (CI-1.73, GR- 0.24 mg/day, ECI-17.05 %, ECD-38.25 % and AD-49.25 %)
were indicated by fifth instar larvae when fed with untreated leaves of a
maize. Also, the sixth instar larvae registered the lowest consumption and
utilization indices when fed on maize leaves treated with soil application of
calcium silicate @ 200 kg/ha and foliar application of silicic acid @ 0.50 %
(CI-0.93, GR-0.14 mg/day, ECI-8.75 %, ECD-19.35 % and AD-25.35 %) followed by
soil application of calcium silicate @ 100 kg/ha (CI-1.37, GR-0.21 mg/day,
ECI-13.25 %, ECD-29.40 % and AD-38.60 %). While, the highest consumption
indices (CI-1.85, GR- 0.28 mg/day, ECI-17.75 %, ECD-39.25 % and AD-51.75 %)
were indicated by untreated control. Hence, the use of silicon had a clear
adverse effect on FAW development.
Download
Pages:225-227
How to cite this article:
Vidya K R, Shiddalingappa V Hugar, C P Mallapur, Vittal B Kuligod "Effect of silicon on food consumption and utilisation indices of fall armyworm in Maize". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 225-227
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.