AUTHOR(S)
Rania S. Ammar1., Demiana H. Khalil1., Kandil S. Ragab2., and Atwa A. Atwa3*
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
Chemical pesticides are widely used to control Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera:
Noctuidae), but their misuse, including non-compliance with recommended doses or improper
spraying methods, leads to significant environmental harm. Pesticides can volatilize and drift onto
neighboring crops, soil, and water, negatively impacting the ecosystem and reducing the overall
safety and efficacy of pest control measures. This study investigates the use of ultrasonic waves as
a low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for controlling S. frugiperda.
The impact of ultrasonic waves on the insects' activity, mobility, and feeding behavior was
continuously monitored over the course of the experiment. The results demonstrated that exposure
to ultrasonic waves significantly reduced the hatchability of S. frugiperda eggs. Ultrasonic waves
at frequencies of 31 KHz and 38 KHz resulted in the lowest number of hatched eggs per female,
with values of 1231 and 1233, respectively, compared to 1239 in the untreated control group.
Additionally, insects exposed to these frequencies showed a decreased feeding rate relative to the
control. Continuous monitoring revealed that the insects tended to cluster away from the feeding
leaves when exposed to ultrasonic waves, indicating a disruption in their normal feeding behavior
and activity patterns. Statistical analysis confirmed a highly significant impact of ultrasonic waves
on insect activity. These findings suggest that ultrasonic waves can effectively reduce key
biological parameters in S. frugiperda, such as adult longevity, pupal weight, and fertility rate.
Therefore, ultrasonic waves at frequencies of 31 KHz or 38 KHz are recommended as a safe,
effective, and eco-friendly method for controlling S. frugiperda, particularly under greenhouse
conditions. However, further field research is necessary to determine the practical efficiency and
optimize the application of ultrasonic devices for broader agricultural use.[
Keywords: Spodoptera frugiperda, Ultrasonic technology, biological parameters, alternative pesticides.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57182/jbiopestic.17.1.65-71
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How to cite this article:
Citation: Rania S. Ammar., Demiana H. Khalil., Kandil S. Ragab., and Atwa A. Atwa. 2024. Disrupting
Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith): Ultrasonic waves as a novel pest control strategy. Journal of Biopesticides,
17(1): 65-71.