Journal of Agronomy and Field Innovations

Background and Significance: Spodoptera frugiperda (Fall Armyworm, FAW) is now a serious pest of maize (Zea mays L.) in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. The over-use of chemical insecticides has increased environmental degradation and the risk of pesticide resistance. Entomopathogenic fungi, like Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, are excellent biological control agents in integrated pest management (IPM).
Objectives: The study was carried out to evaluate the field performance of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae for the management of FAW populations, their effects on maize growth and productivity and their compatibility with sustainable cropping systems.
Methods: Field trials were conducted at two locations in West Africa for two consecutive cropping seasons. Six treatment categories namely fungal isolates (B. bassiana and M. anisopliae), chemical control, IPM combinations and untreated controls were evaluated in randomized complete block designs. Population dynamics of FAW, severity of crop damage, plant growth parameters, grain yield, and economic performance were monitored throughout the growing season.
Results: Both entomopathogenic fungi caused significant reduction of FAW populations (62–78% reduction of peak densities in comparison to untreated controls). Integrated application of fungal agents along with selective insecticides gave the most effective pest control (85–91%) while ensuring crop safety. Fungal biopesticides-treated maize plants exhibited better growth characteristics and grain yield of 6.8–7.2 t/ha, comparable to chemical-only treatment (7.4 t/ha). Economic analysis showed that the fungal treatments improved cost-benefit ratios and sustainability profiles.
Conclusion: Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are viable biological control components in the management of FAW in maize production systems. Their combination with selective chemical interventions in IPM settings offers effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional pesticide-dependent strategies, with important implications for food security and agricultural sustainability in vulnerable regions.