The distribution and impact of fall army worm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on maize production in North Sumatera

Abstract

Abstract Maize is the second most important cereal crop in the world after wheat, contributing substantially to the total cereal grain production in the world economy as a trade, food, feed, and industrial grain crop. The presence of S. frugiperda or Fall Armyworm (FAW) and climate change has affected the corn productivity in North Sumatra. The objective is to determine the distribution and impact of FAW on maize production in North Sumatra. The method used was a survey, observation, and interview farmers and extensions, also secondary data of the FAW attacked from the North Sumatra Food Crops and Horticulture Protection unit (January to August 2019). Sampling was done by simple random sampling with 30 respondents. Analysis data in the form of agronomic advantages and FAW distribution were mapped by overlaying the district administration map with the corn area that was attacked using ArcView GIS. The results showed that the heaviest attack in Karo District was 1,729.9 ha started at 25 days after planting until flowering. The effect of FAW is an increase in production costs by 4.2%, reduction production by 26.6% wherein labour is the highest cost production. Rainfall and wind speed factors have a positive and negative influence on the development of FAW in North Sumatra, early anticipation at the beginning of the plant growth period can reduce the impact on corn production and cost.