Insect populations and pest management strategies in traditional and improved sorghum and maize production systems in foothill and coastal plain fields in southern Honduras

A lepidopterous larval complex consisting of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), Metaponpneumata rogenhoferi Moshler, Spodoptera latifascia (Walker) and Mocis latipes (Guenee) and other insect pests were studied under four cropping systems in the foothills and on the coastal plain in southern Honduras. Cropping systems included traditional and improved production practices interacting with traditional and improved sorghum and maize varieties. Spodoptera frugiperda, was the principal species encountered in both years. No differences were observed among cropping systems in density of this species or damage caused to maize. Sorghum was either not infested with the insect pest complex or it was destroyed by harsh environmental conditions. Crop yield was not affected by specific cropping system.;Observations on survivorship of M. rogenhoferi pupae indicated that time spent in the diapause condition may be more important than soil moisture in stimulating termination of the dormant period in this species.