Sequential application strategy for the management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in maize

Among the different sequential application strategies against S. frugiperda, seed treatment of Cyantraniliprole 19.8% + Thiamethoxam 19.8% FS @ 6 ml/kg followed by Novaluron 5.25% + Emamectin benzoate 0.9% SC followed by Metarhizium rileyi 1.15% WP @ 5 g/L was found to be superior in minimizing per cent plant damage in maize. The sequence includes two sprays of biorationals i.e. seed treatment of Cynatraniliprole 19.8% + Thiamethoxam 19.8% FS @ 6 ml/kg followed by Azadirachtin 1500 ppm @ 5 ml/L followed by Metarhizium rileyi 1.15% WP @ 5 g/L was found most economical sequence with highest ICBR of 1:16.63 while the sequence of karanj oil instead of Azadirachtin 1500 ppm found to be safe to natural enemies than all other treatments. Population of natural enemies was lowest in the sequence of seed treatment of Cyantraniliprole 19.8% + Thiamethoxam 19.8% FS @ 6 ml/kg followed by Novaluron 5.25% + Emamectin benzoate 0.9% SC followed by Metarhizium rileyi 1.15% WP @ 5 g/L. Highest yield was given by seed treatment of Cyantraniliprole 19.8% + Thiamethoxam 19.8% FS @ 6 ml/kg.