Evaluation of Push-Pull Technology for the Management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Maize Farms in Ogun State, South West Nigeria

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) has rapidly established as a major threat to maize production in Nigeria since its arrival in 2016, and chemical control has been the dominant farmer response. Push-pull technology, which uses intercropped repellent plants (desmodium) and trap crops (Napier grass) to manage stem borers and related pests, offers a promising ecological alternative. This study evaluates the effectiveness of push-pull technology for managing Spodoptera frugiperda in smallholder maize farms in Ogun State. A replicated field experiment will be conducted at 24 farms in Ewekoro and Ifo LGAs over two consecutive seasons, comparing push-pull plots against chemical-only and untreated control treatments. Armyworm leaf damage ratings, larval counts, ear damage, and grain yield will be the primary response variables. Natural enemy populations will be assessed quarterly. Economic partial budget analysis will compare cost-benefit ratios across treatments from a farmer perspective. The study contributes field trial evidence for the adoption of push-pull in South West Nigeria, where Striga weed management needs (an additional benefit of desmodium) align with maize farmer priorities. Keywords: fall armyworm, push-pull technology, Spodoptera frugiperda, Ogun State, ecological pest management