Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW) ia a destructive polyphagous pest that can reduce the yield of maize by approximately 50%-70% percent in Punjab, Pakistan. Current study was aimed at assessing farmers’ knowledge, perception, and management practices against fall armyworm on maize crop. This research has applied the quantitative, cross-sectional design and used a structured questionnaires to collect data from 300 farmers, selected randomly. SPSS was used to analyze data using descriptive statistics, correlation, regression and chi-square analyses. The findings indicated that farmers possessed sufficient information on the FAW larval recognition (Mean = 4.12 ± 0.68) and the damage symptoms in the leaves (Mean = 4.05 ± 0.70), but their information about other life stages and feeding characteristics was limited. FAW was considered an extremely threatening to crop productivity and by farmers’ income (Mean = 4.35 ± 0.62). The most commonly used, and perceived effective control method was the use of insecticides (frequency = 4.20 ± 0.65; effectiveness = 4.10 ± 0.70), while the least common and seemingly ineffective control method was the use of the cultural and biological method. There were positive significant relationships between knowledge and perception and management practices (r = 0.48-0.62, p =.01). Regression showed that the severity of pests (β = 0.40, 0.001) and the expected economic loss (β = 0.33, 0.001) as decisive factors in taking a decision on specific pest management practice. Two of the most significant determinants of control measures were education level and the size of farm. These outcomes are positive indicators that special extension activities, integrated pest management promotion, should be undertaken to achieve the sustainability of managing FAW, maize protection, and livelihoods protection among farmers.

Article Information

Received Date: 0000-00-00

Revised Date: 0000-00-00

Accepted Date: 0000-00-00

Available online: 0000-00-00

Authors Contribution: -

KeyWords: Fall Armyworm, maize, knowledge, perception, management practices, Punjab, Pakistan, integrated pest management

DOI: -

*Corresponding author: durenabi33@gmail.com

Copyright 2012 SASI

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