Whorl application of sand mixed chlorantraniliprole: An alternative management approach for fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) in maize

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda being the prominent pest of maize in India and is managed majorly by foliar application of insecticides. In order to explore alternate delivery techniques, whorl application of different doses of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC mixed with river sand were evaluated in field conditions along with foliar spray as standard check.The sand mixed chlorantraniliprole at 0.4 mL kg⁻¹ was efficient in reducing the mean number of larvae (0.25) as well as foliar damage (0.69). Whorl application has extended effect up to 30 days of treatment than the recommended foliar spray. Whorl application of chlorantraniliprole at 0.4 mL kg⁻¹ recorded the highest grain yield (58.72 q ha⁻¹), height of the plant, number of leaves and C: B ratio (1:2.8). Our study demonstrated that, whorl application of sand mixed chlorantraniliprole at 0.4 mL kg⁻¹ proves to be more effective than the foliar spray of 0.4 mL kg⁻¹ chlorantraniliprole. The study provides base for alternate delivery technique of insecticide which reduce insecticide quantity per unit area and also safe for workers and natural enemies.