Practices and perceptions of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith) and striped grass looper (Mocis latipes Guenée) management in maize

Resumen

Objective: To describe practices and perceptions about the fall armyworm and striped grass looper management in maize crops in La Pahua, Francisco Z. Mena, Puebla.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A descriptive study with probability sampling was performed. From April to June 2021, n=79 semi-structured interviews were conducted.

Results: The management of the fall armyworm and striped grass looper is carried out through the application of synthetic insecticides, mainly chlorpyrifos ethyl (81%). The minimal use of personal protective equipment for its application (75%) reflects the lack of knowledge of the population about health risks in the short, medium, and long term; however, producers are interested in receiving technical advice (56%) and are open to the use of alternatives, such as the use of traps (1%) and plant extracts (66%).

Study Limitations/Implications: This is a specific case study; therefore, the results are limited to descriptive statements about the study area.

Findings/Conclusions: The fall armyworm and striped grass looper are controlled with chemicals formulated with chlorpyrifos-ethyl alone or combined with permethrin. These chemicals are applied without the use of appropriate protective equipment. The population showed interest in incorporating other alternatives to synthetic insecticides, especially plant extracts and traps.