Survey and seasonal abundance of major insect pests in the maize fields of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Major gaps exist regarding the biodiversity and population ecology of insect pests in maize crop in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to survey the species composition, relative abundance, and population dynamics of arthropod insect pests in maize crop in Punjab, Pakistan. A two-year (2018–2019) survey of insect pests’ species biodiversity in field maize crops was carried out in two districts (Kasur and Lahore). A total of 49 pest species belonging to 45 genera, 27 families, and 6 orders were recorded in this study. Noctuidae dominated over the other pest families, constituting 49.17% of the total pests catch. Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) was found to be the most dominant species, constituting 18.51% of the sampled individuals. Moreover, the estimated pest species richness from both districts was 94%. While, the diversity indices (Shannon-Weiner and Simpson) revealed non-significant differences in arthropod pest communities at six selected sites. Using the Menhinick and Margalef indices suggested higher species richness in the Lahore district. Overall, the pests population densities were consistently fluctuated throughout both cropping seasons; peaking in April-May and reaching the lowest levels in June-July. Spearman's rank correlation analysis indicated a negative association between insect abundance and temperature while, non-significant correlation was found with humidity in both districts. These findings can help to develop sustainable pests’ control strategies, with implications both at local and global scale in maize growing areas.