Maize yield and quality response to Lepidoptera pest control at different periods

Maize (Zea mays L.)is a majorcereal crop worldwide, and itsstable production is essential fornational and global food security. Pests are among the keyfactors affecting the yield and quality of maize. Therefore, it is crucial toevaluate the recovery of yield and quality losses when implementingtimely control measures against pests during different periods. In this study,we investigated the population dynamics of main pests for maizein south China, and assess the yield and quality of maize treated by effectivecontrol to main pests during different periods. Results showed that fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda(Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) was the most severepest of autumn maize, and emamectin benzoate, chlorfenapyr, chlorantraniliprole were effective in controlling FAW.There was a10.02% loss of ear weight when no control measure was taken at the 4th-leaf stage (V4), and there were 80.45% and 76.09% decreasesof the damage index when no control measure was taken at tasseling stage (VT) and blister stage (R2), respectively. Additionally, the tannin content in maize kernels increasedby 26.28% when no pest control measure had been taken throughout the whole stage of maize. These findingsassisted farmers in increasing their knowledge regarding the detrimental effects caused by FAW and other Lepidoptera pests, and provided a theoretical basis for reasonable and timely control of maize pests and reducing the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides.