To investigate the impact of feeding on different maize varieties on the growth, development, and reproduction of Spodoptera frugiperda, as well as on the infestation of S. frugiperda by Microplitis pallidipes, the impact of feeding on three varieties of fresh maize (Shenketiannuo 99, Shenkenuo 602, Shengketian 811), a common maize variety (Zhengdan 958) and artificial diet on the developmental period, egg production, hatching rate, and adult lifespan of S. frugiperda was assessed. The parasitism rate, cocoon emergence rate, and wasp emergence rate of M. pallidipes on S. frugiperda feeding on different varieties of corn were also quantified. The results showed that the number of eggs laid, the life span of adult moths, and the survival rate and development time of larvae of S. frugiperda were significantly impacted by the diet comprising different corn varieties (P<0.05). Generally, S. frugiperda feeding on fresh corn exhibited a higher oviposition rate, increased larval survival rate, and shorter developmental period. Among the S. frugiperda, those fed on Shenkenuo 602 exhibited the highest fecundity (1 420.78 eggs), larval survival rate (82.33%), and shortest larval development period (15.77 days). Significant variations were also observed in parasitization and cocoon emergence rates of S. frugiperda larvae feeding on different maize varieties and forage (P<0.05). Specifically, the parasitization rate of larvae feeding on common maize was higher (64.18%) compared to fresh corn varieties (48.78~54.75%), while larvae feeding on artificial diet exhibited the lowest parasitization rate (39.41%). Cocoon emergence rates were higher in S. frugiperda larvae feeding on artificial diet and common maize (74.80% and 72.53%, respectively) but lower in those feeding on fresh corn varieties (48.39~55.49%). The results suggest that S. frugiperda thrive better on fresh corn and are less affected by parasitoids. Therefore, increasing the release of parasitoids is recommended to control S. frugiperda infestation in fresh corn planting areas. |