Abstract. Mukkun L, Kleden YL, Simamora AV. 2021. Detection of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize field in East Flores District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 5: 20-26. Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a pest originating from America and rapidly spread to various parts of the world, including Indonesia. In January 2020, armyworm attacks appeared on maize plantations in several districts in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia one of which is in East Flores District. This study aimed to identify S. frugiperda occurrence in East Flores District and to determine the damage intensity of S. frugiperda and the population of larvae on the maize plant. The maize fields were surveyed, and purposive sampling technique was used to assess the maize plants damaged by armyworm. Observations were made on the symptoms of the damage, identification of armyworm species, percentage of attacked corn plants, the intensity of the infestation, and maize cultivars planted by farmers. The results showed that S. frugiperda caused severe damage of 85 to 100% of the cultivated maize plants with damage intensity on a scale of 6 to 9. The larval population was relatively high, ranging from 1 to 28 per plant with an average of 6.65 in West Solor Subdistrict, while in Ile Mandiri Subdistrict, it ranged from 1 to 7 larvae per plant with an average of 2.55 per plant on heads.

Abstract. Mukkun L, Lalel HJD, Kleden YL. 2021. The physical and chemical characteristics of several accessions of sorghum cultivated on drylands in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 2520-2531. Many sorghums' accessions are widely cultivated in East Nusa Tenggara (ENT) Province, but no information is available on their physical and chemical properties. This study aimed to analyze the physical and chemical properties of several sorghum accessions cultivated in the dryland of ENT province. Seven sorghum accessions were obtained from farmers, namely Numbu, Kawali, Okin, red local, brown local, black local, and white local. Physical properties of the grain were carried out visually, including color, shape, and seed husks. Proximate content, total polyphenols, anthocyanins, and tannins were analyzed to determine each accession's chemical properties. Quantitative data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Duncan Multiple Region Test (DMRT) at P?0.5. Meanwhile, qualitative data were tabulated and presented in tables and figures. The results showed that all sorghums have almost the same nutritional content as other staple food to develop into a food substitute for rice to support food security. Furthermore, local black sorghum contains high polyphenol compounds with high antioxidant activity, indicating that it has excellent potential to be developed into functional foods. The high anthocyanin content in black sorghum can also be developed into a safe and environmentally friendly food coloring