Chapter 5. Biological Control for Fall Armyworm Management in Asia

Biological control, as mentioned in Chapter 1, is an important pillar of integrated pest management (IPM). The various components of IPM are not meant to act independently, and in some cases, for example with the use of parasitoids and predators, extra precautions may be needed when using pesticide applications. This is especially true in maize, where an IPM program must address several pests and not just the fall armyworm (FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)). Biological control should be integrated into an IPM program with a clear understanding of its interactions with the other components of the IPM crop strategy such as habitat manipulations, host plant resistance, and pesticide use practices (Figure 2 in Chapter 6, Agroecology) (Orr 2009). In this chapter, biological control efforts for management of FAW are discussed using two case studies—India and Bangladesh. The principles and protocols could be applicable across the FAW-affected countries in Asia. A summary of the current status of biocontrol worldwide and issues regarding its adoption can be found in Barratt et al. (2018).