M. E Omoregie

Fertilizer application influences plant health and susceptibility to pests. Optimal levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium foster robust plant growth, which can deter pests and mitigate yield losses. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the impact of fertilizer application on Fall armyworm (FAW) infestation in maize. The study was conducted during the late maize cropping season of 2023 at the teaching and research farm of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin. The experiment was fitted in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments viz: no fertilizer (T1), inorganic fertilizer (T2), and organic fertilizer (T3), each replicated three times. Treatment plots measured 3x2m and spaced by 1m. The data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in FAW abundance, damage, or severity among the treatments at 3WAS, 4WAS, 5WAS, 6WAS, and 7WAS. However, the highest mean abundance at 3WAS was recorded in the organic treatment (4.25), while at 4WAS, 5WAS, and 7WAS, the highest mean abundances were observed in the organic treatment (3.26, 4.93, and 3.95, respectively). In terms of damage, the highest mean damaged plants were recorded in the organic treatment at 3WAS (1.93) and 5WAS (3.30). Similarly, the highest mean severity was observed in the organic treatment at 3WAS (3.99), 5WAS (6.36), and 6WAS (5.85). In conclusion, both organic and inorganic fertilizers tested did not influence FAW larval abundance, damage, or severity on maize.