Effects of different wavelengths of silicon-based LED on the growth, development, and reproduction of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea)

Abstract Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), or fall armyworm (FAW), is a well-known pest that causes serious harm to agricultural output. However, there is a lack of reports on the impacts of different wavelengths of silicon-based LED lights on its population dynamics and age-stage two-sex life table. This study aims to form an age-stage two-sex life table to evaluate the effects of nighttime LED light with 4 different wavelengths (red [630 ± 2.5 nm], yellow [568 ± 2.5 nm], blue [460 ± 2.5 nm], and green [535 ± 2.5 nm]) on FAW growth, development, and fecundity. The results revealed that the survival rate of pupae was the lowest under blue light treatment. Blue and green light therapy dramatically reduced the fecundity of FAW, and exposure to green light increased the adult preoviposition period (APOP), the total preoviposition period (TPOP), and the longevity of the adult. Moreover, among the 4 different wavelengths of light, the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) of FAW were the greatest under red light and significantly decreased under green and blue light, the longest mean generation time (T) occurred under green light. Our results suggest that blue and green light are beneficial for preventing and controlling FAW. These findings may help provide new pest control strategies to improve pest control and reduce agricultural economic losses.