^aDepartment of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Raya Bandung-Sumedang KM 21, Jatinangor 45363, Indonesia

^b Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Raya Jakarta – Bogor Km. 46, Cibinong 16911, Indonesia

^c Research and Development Agency, West Java Provincial Government, Jalan Kawaluyaan Indah Raya No. 6, Bandung 40286, Indonesia

*Email: waraasfiya@jabarprov.go.id

The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW) is an alien invasive species that has attacked maize crops in Indonesia in 2019. This pest is reported to cause significant damage, so control measures are required. Understanding farmers’ perceptions, knowledge, and management of the fall armyworm are important steps towards developing sustainable integrated management strategies as farmers are important actors in this context. A total of 102 farmers were selected for interviews from Bandung, Garut dan Sumedang districts. We found most respondents surveyed in the productive ages, and the majority were male. Most farmers in all districts were able to differentiate the fall armyworm based on distinguishing morphological features and level of damage on infested maize plants. Farmers considered a significant yield reduction if the pest is not controlled, however, due to limited information available, most farmers relied on chemical insecticides to control this pest. Farmers in Sumedang, nevertheless, also practiced mechanical and cultural methods for FAW management. In addition, extension agents and farmer groups can help to improve farmer’s knowledge of the fall armyworm which is related to control measures applied to manage FAW. Therefore, enhancing farmer’s capacity through participation in training courses and farmer groups, as well as extension agent’s role as information sources about the fall armyworm should be increased.