Assessment of Natural Enemy Complex of the African Armyworm (Spodoptera exempta) in Cereal Crops of Gombe State, North East Nigeria

The African armyworm, Spodoptera exempta, is a migratory pest that causes periodic outbreaks of severe defoliation in cereal crops across Sub-Saharan Africa, including northern Nigeria. Biological control through naturally occurring parasitoids and predators can suppress armyworm populations, but this natural enemy complex has not been documented in Gombe State, North East Nigeria. This study assesses the diversity and abundance of natural enemies associated with S. exempta larvae in maize, sorghum, and millet fields in three LGAs of Gombe State. Systematic field collections of armyworm larvae during outbreak events and non-outbreak periods will be made and larvae reared to determine parasitism rates. Emerged parasitoids will be identified to species using taxonomic keys. Predatory insects observed during field scouting will be recorded separately. The relationship between natural enemy abundance and armyworm population density will be examined using regression analysis. This research adds to the limited documentation of S. exempta natural enemies in the North East and provides the foundation for augmentative biological control programs. Results will be shared with the Gombe State Ministry of Agriculture and the Pest Control Services of Nigeria. Keywords: Spodoptera exempta, armyworm, natural enemies, biological control, Gombe State