The fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) is a major cereal pest threatening food security in Africa. African smallholder farmers apply various indigenous pest management practices, including rabbit urine; however, there is no scientific evidence for its efficacy. The FAW eggs, first, second and third instar larvae and moths were exposed to rabbit urine-treated maize leaves alongside untreated maize leaves (control). More FAW larvae (46.0–70.0%) remained on the untreated leaves than those (27.0–43.0%) on the rabbit urine-treated leaves. Rabbit urine caused 6.4 and 12.8% damage reduction of the second and third instars, respectively, 24 h post-exposure. Rabbit urine significantly reduced the survival of FAW, had a lethal time (LT50) of 5.0, 7.3 and 8.7 days and a lethal dose (LD50) of 48, 94, and 55% for the first, second and third instars, respectively. Egg hatchability and adult emergence were reduced by 55.0 and 13.3%, respectively. The FAW female moths laid more eggs on the rabbit urine-treated plants (647 ± 153 eggs) than they did on the untreated plants (72 ± 64 eggs). This study confirms farmers’ assertions about using rabbit urine to manage FAW. For successful integration into the FAW IPM package, additional studies on the chemistry of rabbit urine, the behavioral response and the field might be required.

The fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major cereal pest threatening food security in Africa. African smallholder farmers apply various indigenous pest management practices including the application of rabbit urine; however, there is no scientific evidence on its efficacy and mode of action. We evaluated the effect of rabbit urine on FAW 1st (neonates), 2nd and 3rd instar larvae. Larvae were exposed to rabbit urine treated and untreated maize leaves (control). Larval settlement, larval survival, pupal emergence, adult oviposition preference and egg hatchability were evaluated. More FAW larvae (55.5–73.0%) oriented on the untreated leaves compared to those (25.5–41.5%) that oriented on the rabbit urine-treated leaves. Rabbit urine caused 66, 69 and 72% reduction of damage caused by neonates, 2nd instars and 3rd instars, respectively, after 24 hours of exposure. Rabbit urine significantly reduced survival of FAW and had lethal time (LT50) of 5.0, 7.0 and 8.7 days and lethal dose (LD50) of 49, 94, and 55% for neonates, 2nd instars and 3rd instars, respectively. Additionally, egg hatchability and pupal emergence were reduced by 55.0% and 13.3%, respectively. When provided a choice, FAW female moth laid more eggs on rabbit urine treated plants (647 ± 153 eggs) than untreated plants (72 ± 64 eggs). This study confirms farmers’ assertions that the application of rabbit urine can manage FAW and, therefore, can be integrated into the FAW IPM package in Africa. Additional studies on the chemistry of rabbit urine, behavioural response and cost implication might be required for scaling up.