In general fall army worm will feed and cause damage by feeding in whorl of Maize. So we are recommending whorl spraying of different mode of action insecticides against FAW. But recent some studies found that whorl application of insecticides by mixing with sand is best option. Is this really effective??
Sand can directly kill fall armyworm larvae, via abrasiveness or absorption of wax from the cuticle, causing larval desiccation
Better option is to identify FAW tolerant genotypes although it is very difficult. Among the tested 40 genotypes, one hybrid was less infested by FAW. We are trying to promote this one and already proposed to release for commercial cultivation in Nepal.
I have no idea about this question. I mean it maybe useful this metot for armyworm.
Definitely it may found effective as mostly FAW feed inside the whorl. Movement of FAW larvae inside the whorl having sand and insecticide may lead to death of larvae due to:
1.Sand will cause abrasiveness and rupture the cuticle of larvae
2. Insecticide: direct toxicity to larvae
Further, many farmers are also applying sand + lime, which is cost effective
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