ANTIBIOSE DE Spodoptera frugiperda J. SMITH (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) EM GENÓTIPOS DE FEIJÃO-CAUPI, Vigna unguiculata (L.) WALP

Abstract

The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is a legume of great importance in Brazil, often cultivated as a second crop after the main harvest. However, its production faces significant challenges, such as the presence of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), which can cause severe damage. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiosis effect of Spodoptera frugiperda on cowpea genotypes. Ten cowpea genotypes were evaluated in a completely randomized design with 25 replications. Biological parameters of S. frugiperda larvae were assessed, including the duration and viability of the larval stage, larval weight at ten days of age, duration and viability of the pre-pupal stage, duration, viability, and weight of pupae at 24 hours of age, total cycle and viability, adult longevity, and the male-to-female moth ratio. The genotypes BRS Pajeu and MNC11-1013E-15 stood out for presenting a longer cycle and a lower growth rate of the pest insect, indicating resistance traits. The genotype MNC11-1026E-19 also negatively affected the insect's life cycle. These results are promising for the selection and development of cowpea genotypes resistant to S. frugiperda.