Field Evaluation of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Feeding on Yield and Quality of ‘Alicia’ Bermudagrass

Abstract

Field evaluation of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) feeding on yield and quality of bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., var. ‘Alicia’, was studied during the 1983–1984 growing season. Yield losses of ‘Alicia’ ranged from 0.3 to 0.9 metric ton per ha when plots were infested with population densities of 1.1 to 9.9 larvae/0.1 m2, respectively. ‘Alicia’ was more tolerant to fall armyworm than ‘Coastal’ as indicated by lower damage ratings and losses in forage quality.