Distribution of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Egg Masses on Cotton

Abstract

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), oviposited on plants in all phenological stages (presquaring, squaring, early bloom, full bloom, mature boll, and open boll) of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., studied in field cages. Studies of within-plant distribution of egg masses indicated that most (>84.5%) fall armyworm oviposition occurred in the middle to lower portions of the plant. Most (92.4%) of the egg masses were found on the under surface of leaves. More egg masses were deposited on leaves emerging directly from the main stem than on leaves emerging from branch nodes. In general, the highest number of egg masses was located near the main stem of the plant.