INCOFAW-2025 KSNUAHS

About the Conference

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) has become a global pest causing serious damage on maize and other crops. In
India it was first reported in 2018 on maize in Shivamogga and Davanagere districts of Karnataka.

Maize is the third most important cereal crop in India, following rice and wheat. The area under maize in India is 11.24 million ha with a production of 37.67 million tonnes. Among the maize growing states of Inida, Karnataka stands first with an area of 1.91 million ha and production of 17.80 million tonnes.

Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (KSNUAHS), Shivamogga worked on different aspects of fall armyworm since its invasion in 2018. The international conference on “Sustainable Management of Fall Armyworm” aims to provide a global platform for researchers to discuss challenges, share recent advancements and explore innovative ideas and strategies for the sustainable management of fall armyworm. The forum also aims to inspire young researchers to pursue innovative and sustainable solutions

About KSNUAHS

Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences established in 2012 at Iruvakki, Sagar taluk of Shivamogga district in Karnataka, is the first integrated University in the State of Karnataka, which has Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry Sciences under its purview. It has an operational jurisdiction in seven districts.

The University has comprehensive four-year degree program in Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry with Post Graduate degrees in different disciplines. The KSNUAHS reported the invasion of fall armyworm on maize for first time in India and developed different management strategies to manage FAW. After its invasion, KSNUAHS in collaboration with line departments, private companies and NGOs organized state level conference and trainings for the benefit of maize farmers.

About the Department

The Department of Entomology, established in 2002, has emerged as a centre of excellence in teaching, research and extension.

Over the years, more than 100 M.Sc. and 20 Ph.D. scholars have successfully completed their degrees, contributing significantly to the understanding and management of insect pests across diverse crops. Notably, 15 postgraduate researchers have focused their work on various facets of FAW, leading to the development and dissemination of practical, farmer-friendly technologies that have benefited maize growers across the region.

The department published more than 40 research papers on FAW in international and national journals. The video clip on FAW was also developed in local language to help the farming community.