Evaluation of Protein Content of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on Maize and Cotton Crops in Telangana, India

The present study was carried out to estimate the protein content of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) collected from maize and cotton fields in Telangana State, India during 2021-2022 using Lowry method. The total protein content in Spodoptera frugiperda was significantly higher from maize fields (12.4 ± 0.7 mg/g) compared to cotton fields (9.6 ± 0.5 mg/g) where similar results were shown for soluble proteins as 7.4 ± 0.4 mg/g and 4.9 ± 0.3 mg/g, respectively. Conversely, cotton-fed larvae had slightly higher insoluble protein content (4.5 ± 0.4 mg/g) than maize-fed larvae (4.1 ± 0.3 mg/g). Larvae were exhibited higher protein levels than that of adults where maize-fed larvae showed the highest total protein content (12.9 ± 0.6 mg/g). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in total and soluble protein content between the two staple crop types (p<0.05), and observed that maize supports enhanced protein accumulation in S. frugiperda. These results highlight the significant role of host plant quality in influencing protein content and development in S. frugiperda, offering insights for effective pest management strategies.