Sampling program for fall armyworm in maize

A sampling program for fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith), in Honduran maize, Zea mays (L.), is described. Presence-absence sampling was used to monitor FAW infestations and insecticide treatment decisions were made against predetermined action thresholds. Simplification of the sampling program for grower acceptance required standardization of sample size. Two methods for estimating sample size were compared. Sample sizes needed to maintain a level of sample precision were larger than sample sizes needed to make control decisions. By reducing sampling effort and standardizing sample size, we provide a sampling program more appropriate for local grower needs and skills