EVALUATION OF FALL ARMYWORM (SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA) INCIDENCE AND MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) GENOTYPES IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Fall Armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major invasive insect pest threatening maize (Zea mays L.) production in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. This study evaluated the incidence of FAW infestation and its effect on the morphological traits of 14 maize genotypes across two locations in Niger State, Nigeria: Minna and Mokwa. The trials were conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. FAW incidence was recorded as the percentage of plants showing signs of infestation, while morphological traits such as plant height and leaf area were measured. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. Results showed significant variation in FAW incidence among genotypes. Highly susceptible genotypes such as NGBO 2854 and NGBO 2864 exhibited FAW incidences of up to 100% in Minna and 87% in Mokwa. Conversely, genotypes such as NGBO 2864, NGBO 2898, and NGBO 2249 demonstrated superior morphological performance with plant heights exceeding 170 cm and leaf areas above 660 cm², indicating resilience under FAW pressure. The environmental influence was evident, with Mokwa favoring slightly better growth for some genotypes. Genotypes NGBO 2864, NGBO 2898, and NGBO 2249 were identified as promising candidates for breeding programs aimed at developing FAW-resistant maize varieties.