Lethal, Sub-Lethal and Trans-Generational Effects of Chlorantraniliprole on Biological Parameters, Demographic Traits, and Fitness Costs of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This is the first study providing important time-specific, age-specific, and reproduction-specific data for managing Spodoptera frugiperda infestations in maize crops using chlorantraniliprole. The application of chlorantraniliprole insecticide suppressed the population of S. frugiperda. The results revealed that fecundity was affected by chlorantraniliprole in the second filial generation, which suggests that the insecticide application during spring will prevent S. frugiperda infestation in maize crops during the autumn season. ABSTRACT: Fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797)] was first reported in the Americas, then spread to all the continents of the world. Chemical insecticides are frequently employed in managing fall armyworms. These insecticides have various modes of actions and target sites to kill the insects. Chlorantraniliprole is a selective insecticide with a novel mode of action and is used against Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Isopteran, and Dipteran pests. This study determined chlorantraniliprole’s lethal, sub-lethal, and trans-generational effects on two consecutive generations (F(0), F(1), and F(2)) of the fall armyworm. Bioassays revealed that chlorantraniliprole exhibited higher toxicity against fall armyworms with a LC(50) of 2.781 mg/L after 48 h of exposure. Significant differences were noted in the biological parameters of fall armyworms in all generations. Sub-lethal concentrations of chlorantraniliprole showed prolonged larval and adult durations. The parameters related to the fitness cost in F(0) and F(1) generations showed non-significant differences. In contrast, the F(2) generation showed lower fecundity at lethal (71 eggs/female) and sub-lethal (94 eggs/female) doses of chlorantraniliprole compared to the control (127.5–129.3 eggs/female). Age-stage specific survival rate (S(xj)), life expectancy (E(xj)) and reproductive rate (V(xj)) significantly differed among insecticide-treated groups in all generations compared to the control. A comparison of treated and untreated insects over generations indicated substantial differences in demographic parameters such as net reproduction rate (R(0)), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and mean generation time (T). Several biological and demographic parameters were shown to be negatively impacted by chlorantraniliprole. We conclude that chlorantraniliprole may be utilized to manage fall armyworms with lesser risks.