The Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the main crop pests in Burkina Faso. The growing resistance of FAW to chemical insecticides and their harmful effects on humans and the environment necessitates the search for biodegradable and eco-friendly substances. Therefore, alternative control methods, such as the use of essential oils (EOs), are important in finding new strategies for the effective management of this pest. This study aims to evaluate the biological properties of EOs extracted from leaves of C. schoenanthus, L. multiflora, and O. americanum on larvae and pupae of S. frugiperda. The activities of these oils were evaluated by topical treatment of different concentrations on L2 larvae and pupae and their effect on food intake. Topical application to L2 caused
dose dependent mortality and EO of O. americanum was most effective at 72h with an LC50 of 0.3%. Application of L. multiflora EO caused mortality with a LC50 of 0.4%. EO from C. schoenanthus caused LC50 and LC90 of 0.8% and 12.5%, respectively. The oils of L. multiflora and C. schoenanthus are most effective against pupae. L. multiflora and C. schoenanthus EOs showed significant effects within 24 h after food intake. The EOs caused inhibition of larval growth and a weight loss of 0.002% per day using 1% L. multiflora EOs and 0.003% using 2% C. schoenanthus EOs. The inhibitory effects of these oils could be exploited using integrated pest management for S. frugiperda.
Essential oils; S. frugiperda; Mortality; Lethal Concentrations; Growth; Anti-Feeding