Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Pest and Vector Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 66511

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
Interests: fall armyworm; insect migration; radar entomology; monitoring and forecasting of pests

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
Interests: fall armyworm; molecular entomology; insect reproduction; insect development; pest control

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The fall armyworm, an invasive pest from the Americas, is rapidly spreading through the Old World. It has a wide range of hosts and catastrophic destructive capability—it has about 353 host species, remarkably corn, with 15–73% of the yield loss of corn caused by its higher-instar larva. In this Special Issue we review the most up-to-date research developed for the biology, ecology and control of this pest.

Prof. Dr. Gao Hu
Prof. Dr. Peng-Cheng Liu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Insects is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fall armyworm
  • invasive species
  • biology
  • ecology
  • insect migration
  • population management
  • pesticides
  • natural enemies

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (23 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

16 pages, 2962 KiB  
Article
Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Life Table Comparisons and Gut Microbiome Analysis Reared on Corn Varieties
by Jungwon Jeon, Md-Mafizur Rahman, Changhee Han, Jiyeong Shin, Kyu Jin Sa and Juil Kim
Insects 2023, 14(4), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040358 - 4 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2315
Abstract
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW) is an invasive migratory pest that has recently spread to Korea, damaging several corn cultivars with significant economic value. Comparisons of the growth stages of FAW were conducted based on the preferred feed. Therefore, we [...] Read more.
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW) is an invasive migratory pest that has recently spread to Korea, damaging several corn cultivars with significant economic value. Comparisons of the growth stages of FAW were conducted based on the preferred feed. Therefore, we selected six maize cultivars, including three categories: (i) commercial waxy corn (mibaek 2-ho, heukjeom 2-ho, dreamoak); (ii) popcorn (oryun popcorn, oryun 2-ho); and (iii) processing corn (miheukchal). A significant effect was observed during the larvae period, pupal period, egg hatching ratio, and larvae weight, whereas the total survival period and adult period did not show significant variation among the tested corn cultivars. We identified variations in the FAW gut bacterial community that were dependent on the genotype of the corn maize feed. The identified phyla included Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Among these genera, the most abundant bacterial genus was Enterococcus, followed by Ureibacillus. Enterococcus mundtii was the most abundant among the top 40 bacterial species. The intergenic PCR-based amplification and gene sequence of the colony isolates were also matched to the GenBank owing to the prevalence of E. mundtii. These results showed that the bacterial diversity and abundance of particular bacteria in the guts of FAWs were influenced by the six major maize corn cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4318 KiB  
Article
Mating-Induced Common and Sex-Specific Behavioral, Transcriptional Changes in the Moth Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, Noctuidae, Lepidoptera) in Laboratory
by Ting Wu, Da-Hu Cao, Yu Liu, Hong Yu, Da-Ying Fu, Hui Ye and Jin Xu
Insects 2023, 14(2), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14020209 - 19 Feb 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2827
Abstract
The intermediate process between mating and postmating behavioral changes in insects is still poorly known. Here, we studied mating-induced common and sex-specific behavioral and transcriptional changes in both sexes of Spodoptera frugiperda and tested whether the transcriptional changes are linked to postmating behavioral [...] Read more.
The intermediate process between mating and postmating behavioral changes in insects is still poorly known. Here, we studied mating-induced common and sex-specific behavioral and transcriptional changes in both sexes of Spodoptera frugiperda and tested whether the transcriptional changes are linked to postmating behavioral changes in each sex. A behavioral study showed that mating caused a temporary suppression of female calling and male courting behavior, and females did not lay eggs until the next day after the first mating. The significant differences on daily fecundity under the presence of males or not, and the same or novel males, suggest that females may intentionally retain eggs to be fertilized by novel males or to be fertilized competitively by different males. RNA sequencing in females revealed that there are more reproduction related GO (gene ontology) terms and KEGG (Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathways (mainly related to egg and zygote development) enriched to upregulated DEGs (differentially expressed genes) than to downregulated DEGs at 0 and 24 h postmating. In males, however, mating induced DEGs did not enrich any reproduction related terms/pathways, which may be because male reproductive bioinformatics is relatively limited in moths. Mating also induced upregulation on soma maintenance (such as immune activity and stress reaction) related processes in females at 0, 6 and 24 h postmating. In males, mating also induced upregulation on soma maintenance related processes at 0 h postmating, but induced downregulation on these processes at 6 and 24 h postmating. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that mating induced sex-specific postmating behavioral and transcriptional changes in both sexes of S. frugiperda and suggested that the transcriptional changes are correlated with postmating physiological and behavioral changes in each sex. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 279 KiB  
Article
Estimating the Cost of Production of Two Pentatomids and One Braconid for the Biocontrol of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Maize Fields in Florida
by Jermaine D. Perier, Muhammad Haseeb, Daniel Solís, Lambert H. B. Kanga and Jesusa C. Legaspi
Insects 2023, 14(2), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14020169 - 9 Feb 2023
Viewed by 2250
Abstract
The fall armyworm is a polyphagous lepidopteran pest that primarily feeds on valuable global crops like maize. Insecticides and transgenic crops have long been a primary option for fall armyworm control, despite growing concerns about transgenic crop resistance inheritance and the rate of [...] Read more.
The fall armyworm is a polyphagous lepidopteran pest that primarily feeds on valuable global crops like maize. Insecticides and transgenic crops have long been a primary option for fall armyworm control, despite growing concerns about transgenic crop resistance inheritance and the rate of insecticide resistance development. Global dissemination of the pest species has highlighted the need for more sustainable approaches to managing overwhelming populations both in their native range and newly introduced regions. As such, integrated pest management programs require more information on natural enemies of the species to make informed planning choices. In this study, we present a cost analysis of the production of three biocontrol agents of the fall armyworm over a year. This model is malleable and aimed towards small-scale growers who might benefit more from an augmentative release of natural enemies than a repetitive use of insecticides, especially since, though the benefits of using either are similar, the biological control option has a lower development cost and is more environmentally sustainable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
11 pages, 2551 KiB  
Article
Trends towards Lower Susceptibility of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Teflubenzuron in Brazil: An Evidence for Field-Evolved Resistance
by Fernando Semmelroth de Assunção e Amaral, Rubens Hideo Kanno, Antonio Rogério Bezerra do Nascimento, Aline Sartori Guidolin and Celso Omoto
Insects 2023, 14(2), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14020129 - 26 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2418
Abstract
Susceptibility monitoring to insecticides is a key component to implementing insecticide resistance management (IRM) programs. In this research, the susceptibility to teflubenzuron in Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith) was monitored in more than 200 field-collected populations from major corn-growing regions of Brazil, from 2004 [...] Read more.
Susceptibility monitoring to insecticides is a key component to implementing insecticide resistance management (IRM) programs. In this research, the susceptibility to teflubenzuron in Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith) was monitored in more than 200 field-collected populations from major corn-growing regions of Brazil, from 2004 to 2020. Initially, we defined a diagnostic concentration of 10 µg mL−1 of teflubenzuron using a diet-overlay bioassay for monitoring the susceptibility. A variation in the susceptibility to teflubenzuron in S. frugiperda was detected among populations from different locations. We also detected a significant reduction in the susceptibility to teflubenzuron throughout time in all the populations of S. frugiperda evaluated, with larval survival at diagnostic concentration varying from values of <5% in 2004 to up 80% in 2020. Thus, this research provides evidence of field-evolved resistance of S. frugiperda to teflubenzuron and reinforces that IRM practices are urgently needed to be implemented in Brazil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 7854 KiB  
Article
Migration Dynamics of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in the Yangtze River Delta
by Xue-Yan Zhang, Le Huang, Jie Liu, Hai-Bo Zhang, Kun Qiu, Fang Lu and Gao Hu
Insects 2023, 14(2), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14020127 - 26 Jan 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2209
Abstract
The Yangtze River Delta, located in East China, is an important passage on the eastern pathway of the northward migration of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in China, connecting China’s year-round breeding area and the Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize area. Clarifying the migration dynamics [...] Read more.
The Yangtze River Delta, located in East China, is an important passage on the eastern pathway of the northward migration of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in China, connecting China’s year-round breeding area and the Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize area. Clarifying the migration dynamics of S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Delta is of great significance for the scientific control and prevention of S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Delta, even in the Huang-Huai-Hai region and Northeast China. This study is based on the pest investigation data of S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Delta from 2019 to 2021, combining it with the migration trajectory simulation approach and the synoptic weather analysis. The result showed that S. frugiperda migrated to the Yangtze River Delta in March or April at the earliest, and mainly migrated to the south of the Yangtze River in May, which can be migrated from Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan and other places. In May and June, S. frugiperda migrated further into the Jiang–Huai region, and its source areas were mainly distributed in Jiangxi, Hunan, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and Hubei provinces. In July, it mainly migrated to the north of Huai River, and the source areas of the insects were mainly distributed in Jiangsu, Anhui, Hunan, Hubei and Henan. From the south of the Yangtze River to the north of the Huai River, the source areas of S. frugiperda were constantly moving north. After breeding locally, S. frugiperda can not only migrate to other regions of the Yangtze River Delta, but also to its surrounding provinces of Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Henan, Shandong and Hebei, and even cross the Shandong Peninsula into Northeast China such as Liaoning and Jilin provinces. Trajectory simulation showed that the emigrants of S. frugiperda from the Yangtze River Delta moved northward, westward and eastward as wind direction was quite diverse in June–August. This paper analyzes the migration dynamics of S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Delta, which has important guiding significance for the monitoring, early warning and the development of scientific prevention and control strategies for whole country. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2729 KiB  
Article
Host Transcriptome Analysis of Spodoptera frugiperda Larvae Parasitized by Microplitis manilae
by Ahamaijiang Gulinuer, Binglin Xing and Lei Yang
Insects 2023, 14(2), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14020100 - 17 Jan 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2738
Abstract
It has been extensively found that parasitoids manipulate host physiology to benefit the survival and development of their offspring. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms have not received much attention. To reveal the effects of parasitization of the larval solitary endoparasitoid Microplitis manilae (Hymenoptera: [...] Read more.
It has been extensively found that parasitoids manipulate host physiology to benefit the survival and development of their offspring. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms have not received much attention. To reveal the effects of parasitization of the larval solitary endoparasitoid Microplitis manilae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on host Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), one of the most destructive agricultural pests in China, deep-sequencing-based transcriptome analysis was conducted to compare the host gene expression levels after 2 h, 24 h, and 48 h parasitization. A total of 1861, 962, and 108 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from the S. frugiperda larvae at 2 h, 24 h, and 48 h post-parasitization, respectively, compared with unparasitized controls. The changes in host gene expressions were most likely caused by the injection of wasp parasitic factors, including PDVs, that were injected along with the eggs during oviposition. Based on the functional annotations in GO and KEGG databases, we revealed that most DEGs were implicated in host metabolism and immunity. Further analysis of the common DEGs in three comparisons between the unparasitized and parasitized groups identified four genes, including one unknown and three prophenoloxidase (PPO) genes. Moreover, 46 and 7 common DEGs involved in host metabolism and immunity were identified at two or three time points after parasitization, respectively. Among these, most DEGs showed increased expressions at 2 h post-wasp parasitization while exhibiting significantly decreased expression levels at 24 h post-parasitization, demonstrating the expression regulations of M. manilae parasitization on host metabolism and immune-related genes. Further qPCR verification in 20 randomly selected DEGs confirmed the accuracy and reproducibility of the gene expression profiles generated from RNA-seq. This study reveals the molecular regulatory network about how host insects respond to wasp parasitism, laying a solid foundation for revealing the physiological manipulation of wasp parasitization on host insects, which facilitates the development of biological control practices for parasitoids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1942 KiB  
Article
Wheat-Bran-Based Artificial Diet for Mass Culturing of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
by Shishuai Ge, Bo Chu, Wei He, Shan Jiang, Chunyang Lv, Lingyun Gao, Xiaoting Sun, Xianming Yang and Kongming Wu
Insects 2022, 13(12), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13121177 - 19 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3466
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (fall armyworm (FAW)) has invaded many countries in Africa and Asia in recent years, considerably restricting global agricultural production. In this study, we assessed the rearing performance of four artificial diets (D1: an artificial FAW diet based on [...] Read more.
Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (fall armyworm (FAW)) has invaded many countries in Africa and Asia in recent years, considerably restricting global agricultural production. In this study, we assessed the rearing performance of four artificial diets (D1: an artificial FAW diet based on wheat bran and soybean, maize, and yeast powders; D2: an artificial diet developed for Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), based on wheat bran and soybean and yeast powders; D3: an artificial diet based on soybean powder; D4: an artificial diet based on wheat bran) for FAWs. We designed D4 based on a traditional diet (D2) but substituted the wheat bran for soybean and yeast powders. At 25 ± 1 °C, 75% ± 5% RH, and a 16:8 h L:D photoperiod, the larval stage of FAWs fed on D4 lasted 15.88 d, the pupal stage lasted 9.48 d, the pupal mass was 270.45 mg, the number of eggs deposited was 1364.78, and the mating rate was 89.53%. Most biological indicators of the larvae that were fed D4 were basically consistent with those of the larvae fed on the traditional diet (D2), but the intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproduction rate (R0) of the D4 FAWs were lower than those of the D2 FAWs. The flight capacity (flight distance, duration, and velocity were 19.73 km, 6.91 h, and 2.90 km/h, respectively) of the D4 FAWs was comparable to that of the FAWs fed a traditional diet and maize leaves. Compared with the three other formulas, the cost of using D4 was lower by 26.42% on average. These results show that using cheap wheat bran instead of soybean flour and yeast powder as the basic material for an artificial diet for FAWs is feasible, which will substantially reduce rearing costs and promote the development of new controlling measures for FAWs. In addition, this study also has a reference value for reducing the cost of artificial diets for other insects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2269 KiB  
Article
Performance of Fall Armyworm Preimaginal Development on Cultivars of Tropical Grass Forages
by Marcos V. C. dos Santos, Priscilla T. Nascimento, Maria L. Simeone, Patrick F. Lima, Rosangela M. Simeão, Alexander Auad, Ivênio Oliveira and Simone Mendes
Insects 2022, 13(12), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13121139 - 10 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1333
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous pest species capable of feeding on almost all forage and grain crops, although the food quality for the larvae likely varies among plant species and cultivars. The cultivation of grass forage species with grains [...] Read more.
Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous pest species capable of feeding on almost all forage and grain crops, although the food quality for the larvae likely varies among plant species and cultivars. The cultivation of grass forage species with grains has increasingly been adopted in Brazil, within both no-tillage and crop–livestock integration systems. In this study, we evaluated the performance of S. frugiperda larvae on 14 forage cultivars of Brachiaria, Panicum, and Cynodon, which are widely used in integrated cropping systems in Brazil. The biological performance of S. frugiperda varied among the cultivars. The larval survival rates were lower on Panicum maximum ‘Massai’ and P. maximum ‘Tamani’ cultivars. The insects had the highest performance indexes on Brachiaria brizantha ‘Paiaguás’, B. brizantha ‘Marandu’, and B. brizantha ‘Xaraés’ cultivars, followed by Brachiaria ruziziensis, previously proposed as a standard grass forage for comparisons with other species. On P. maximum, the insect had the lowest performance indexes, with values equal to zero when feeding on the P. maximum ‘Massai’ and ‘Tamani’ cultivars. These results will help make management decisions when cultivating grass forage plants in crop production systems in which S. frugiperda infestation is of concern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1199 KiB  
Article
Temperature-Dependent Development Models Describing the Effects of Temperature on the Development of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
by Matabaro Joseph Malekera, Rajendra Acharya, Md Munir Mostafiz, Hwal-Su Hwang, Narayan Bhusal and Kyeong-Yeoll Lee
Insects 2022, 13(12), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13121084 - 24 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2877
Abstract
The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is an economically important pest that recently invaded Africa and Asia; however, information regarding its biological capacity to establish itself in newly invaded environments is largely unknown. We investigated the effects of temperature on the development [...] Read more.
The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is an economically important pest that recently invaded Africa and Asia; however, information regarding its biological capacity to establish itself in newly invaded environments is largely unknown. We investigated the effects of temperature on the development and survival of the invaded populations of S. frugiperda and selected mathematical models to evaluate its development in a new environment. S. frugiperda exhibited optimum survival and growth at temperatures between 28 °C and 30 °C. The lower and upper thermal thresholds for the egg-to-adult life cycle were 13.51 °C and 34.13 °C, respectively. We compared seven mathematical models and found that the Shi model was the most suitable for describing the temperature-dependent development rate of S. frugiperda. Therefore, the Shi mathematical model may be used to predict both the occurrence of particular developmental stages and the geographic distribution to implement measures for the management of S. frugiperda in agricultural fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2574 KiB  
Article
Larvicidal and Antifeedant Effects of Copper Nano-Pesticides against Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and Its Immunological Response
by Afroja Rahman, Sarayut Pittarate, Vivekanandhan Perumal, Julius Rajula, Malee Thungrabeab, Supamit Mekchay and Patcharin Krutmuang
Insects 2022, 13(11), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13111030 - 7 Nov 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3194
Abstract
This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate the efficacy of CuO NPs (copper oxide nanoparticles) with varying test concentrations (10–500 ppm) against larvicidal, antifeedant, immunological, and enzymatic activities against larvae of S. frugiperda at 24 h of treatment. Copper nanoparticles were characterized by using [...] Read more.
This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate the efficacy of CuO NPs (copper oxide nanoparticles) with varying test concentrations (10–500 ppm) against larvicidal, antifeedant, immunological, and enzymatic activities against larvae of S. frugiperda at 24 h of treatment. Copper nanoparticles were characterized by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDaX) analysis. The EDaX analysis results clearly show that the synthesized copper nanoparticles contain copper as the main element, and the SEM analysis results show nanoparticle sizes ranging from 29 to 45 nm. The CuO NPs showed remarkable larvicidal activity (97%, 94%, and 81% were observed on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th instar larvae, respectively). The CuO NPs produced high antifeedant activity (98.25%, 98.01%, and 98.42%), which was observed on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th instar larvae, respectively. CuO NPs treatment significantly reduced larval hemocyte levels 24 h after treatment; hemocyte counts and sizes changed in the CuO NPs treatment compared to the control. After 24 h of treatment with CuO NPs, the larval acetylcholinesterase enzyme levels decreased with dose-dependent activity. The present findings conclude that CuO NPs cause remarkable larvicidal antifeedant activity and that CuO NPs are effective, pollution-free green nano-insecticides against S. frugiperda. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2654 KiB  
Article
Effects of Elevated CO2 Concentration on Host Adaptability and Chlorantraniliprole Susceptibility in Spodoptera frugiperda
by Zhihui Lu, Zhongxiang Sun, Yahong Li, Ruoshi Hao, Yaping Chen, Bin Chen, Xiaoping Qin, Xuan Tao and Furong Gui
Insects 2022, 13(11), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13111029 - 7 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1854
Abstract
Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (eCO2) can affect both herbivorous insects and their host plants. The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a highly polyphagous agricultural pest that may attack more than 350 host plant species and has developed resistance to [...] Read more.
Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (eCO2) can affect both herbivorous insects and their host plants. The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a highly polyphagous agricultural pest that may attack more than 350 host plant species and has developed resistance to both conventional and novel-action insecticides. However, the effects of eCO2 on host adaptability and insecticide resistance of FAW are unclear. We hypothesized that eCO2 might affect insecticide resistance of FAW by affecting its host plants. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of eCO2 on (1) FAW’s susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole after feeding on wheat, (2) FAW’s population performance traits (including the growth and reproduction), and (3) changes in gene expression in the FAW by transcriptome sequencing. The toxicity of chlorantraniliprole against the FAW under eCO2 (800 µL/L) stress showed that the LC50 values were 2.40, 2.06, and 1.46 times the values at the ambient CO2 concentration (400 µL/L, aCO2) for the three generations, respectively. Under eCO2, the life span of pupae and adults and the total number of generations were significantly shorter than the FAW under aCO2. Compared to the aCO2 treatment, the weights of the 3rd and 4th instar larvae and pupae of FAW under eCO2 were significantly heavier. Transcriptome sequencing results showed that more than 79 detoxification enzyme genes in FAW were upregulated under eCO2 treatment, including 40 P450, 5 CarE, 17 ABC, and 7 UGT genes. Our results showed that eCO2 increased the population performance of FAW on wheat and reduced its susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole by inducing the expression of detoxification enzyme genes. This study has important implications for assessing the damage of FAW in the future under the environment of increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1189 KiB  
Article
Temporal and Spatial Distribution Patterns of Spodoptera frugiperda in Mountain Maize Fields in China
by Yanyan He, Kun Wang, Guangzu Du, Qiong Zhang, Bin Li, Lin Zhao, Ping He and Bin Chen
Insects 2022, 13(10), 938; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13100938 - 16 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2154
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major pest of maize worldwide. This pest colonized maize in Shizong, Qujing, Yunnan, China in 2019. To explore the temporal and spatial distribution of S. frugiperda in local fields, “W” type 5-point sampling was performed from 2020 [...] Read more.
Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major pest of maize worldwide. This pest colonized maize in Shizong, Qujing, Yunnan, China in 2019. To explore the temporal and spatial distribution of S. frugiperda in local fields, “W” type 5-point sampling was performed from 2020 to 2021. The spatial distribution was analyzed using the aggregation index, Iwao’s regression, and Taylor’s power law. The temporal distribution showed two peaks for both 2020 and 2021 when the density of eggs, larvae, and adults was high throughout the maize growth period. Additionally, 1st and 3rd instar larvae were higher in number during the maize seedling, jointing, and spinning stages. Fourth to 6th instar larvae were higher in number after the tasseling stage. Additionally, the spatial distribution results showed that 1st to 3rd instar larvae were aggregated, while 4th to 6th instar larvae were uniformly distributed in mountain maize fields. This study provides monitoring data for S. frugiperda and clarifies the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics for larvae in mountain maize fields. Further, it also provides guidance for investigation into population dynamics and the development of predictive models for integrated S. frugiperda management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 41667 KiB  
Article
The Transcription of Flight Energy Metabolism Enzymes Declined with Aging While Enzyme Activity Increased in the Long-Distance Migratory Moth, Spodoptera frugiperda
by Yan Fu, Ting Wu, Hong Yu, Jin Xu, Jun-Zhong Zhang, Da-Ying Fu and Hui Ye
Insects 2022, 13(10), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13100936 - 16 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2510
Abstract
Of all the things that can fly, the flight mechanisms of insects are possibly the least understood. By using RNAseq, we studied the aging-associated gene expression changes in the thorax of Spodoptera frugiperda females. Three possible flight energy metabolism pathways were constructed based [...] Read more.
Of all the things that can fly, the flight mechanisms of insects are possibly the least understood. By using RNAseq, we studied the aging-associated gene expression changes in the thorax of Spodoptera frugiperda females. Three possible flight energy metabolism pathways were constructed based on 32 key metabolic enzymes found in S. frugiperda. Differential expression analysis revealed up to 2000 DEGs within old females versus young ones. Expression and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that most genes and pathways related to energy metabolism and other biological processes, such as transport, redox, longevity and signaling pathway, were downregulated with aging. However, activity assay showed that the activities of all the five tested key enzymes increased with age. The age-associated transcriptional decrease and activity increase in these enzymes suggest that these enzymes are stable. S. frugiperda is a long-distance migrator, and a high activity of enzymes may be important to guarantee a high flight capacity. The activity ratio of GAPDH/HOAD ranged from 0.594 to 0.412, suggesting that lipid is the main fuel of this species, particularly in old individuals. Moreover, the expression of enzymes in the proline oxidation pathway increased with age, suggesting that this energy metabolic pathway also is important for this species or linked to some aging-specific processes. In addition, the expression of immunity- and repair-related genes also increased with age. This study established the overall transcriptome framework of the flight muscle and aging-associated expression change trajectories in an insect for the first time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3659 KiB  
Article
The Source Areas and Migratory Pathways of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in Sichuan Province, China
by Chunxian Jiang, Xueyan Zhang, Jiaqi Wu, Chuanhong Feng, Li Ma, Gao Hu and Qing Li
Insects 2022, 13(10), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13100935 - 16 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2035
Abstract
The Sichuan Province, located in Southwest China, is one of China’s main maize-producing areas, and is also an important node along the north-south migratory pathways that pests follow within China. After its invasion, the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith), was found in [...] Read more.
The Sichuan Province, located in Southwest China, is one of China’s main maize-producing areas, and is also an important node along the north-south migratory pathways that pests follow within China. After its invasion, the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith), was found in 70.81% of all counties in Sichuan. However, FAW source areas and their migratory pathways into Sichuan remain unclear. This study simulated FAW sources and their migratory pathways into Sichuan during 2020 and 2021 using the trajectory simulation platform HYSPLIT with flight behavior parameters. Additionally, the seasonal horizontal wind field was also analyzed with the meteorological graphics processing software GrADS. The results showed that sporadic FAW migration into Sichuan began in April. By May, FAWs were found in much of the Sichuan Basin and moved further north and west in June. Except for year-round breeding areas, FAW sources varied monthly and expanded northward and eastward. The source areas were concentrated in Yunnan, Guizhou, Chongqing, and Myanmar on the western pathway of national migration and also in Vietnam, Guangxi, and Hunan of the eastern pathway. At various times, parts of Sichuan have also served as sources for other parts of Sichuan. FAWs migrated to Sichuan from the source areas via 6 potential pathways, 1 pathway into southwest Sichuan and 5 pathways into the Sichuan basin. The southwestern airflow from the Bay of Bengal, the southeastern airflow controlled by the western Pacific subtropical high, and the local topographically influenced airflow could provide the airflow needed for FAW migration. This work provides new information that can assist the monitoring and warning of the presence of FAW and support integrated management strategies for this pest in Sichuan and throughout China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4240 KiB  
Article
Effects of Nano-Graphene Oxide on the Growth and Reproductive Dynamics of Spodoptera frugiperda Based on an Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Table
by Cao Li, Chaoxing Hu, Junrui Zhi, Wenbo Yue and Hongbo Li
Insects 2022, 13(10), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13100929 - 13 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5387
Abstract
The development and reproduction of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, which were reared on artificial diets containing nano-graphene oxide (GO), were determined based on age-stage, two-sex life table analysis. The results showed that GO had adverse effects on FAWs. Compared with [...] Read more.
The development and reproduction of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, which were reared on artificial diets containing nano-graphene oxide (GO), were determined based on age-stage, two-sex life table analysis. The results showed that GO had adverse effects on FAWs. Compared with the control, the duration of the egg stage and first, second, and sixth instar larval stages increased with increasing GO concentrations; however, the lifespan of male and female adults decreased with increasing GO concentrations. Weights of FAW pupae that were supplied with GO-amended diets increased by 0.17–15.20% compared to the control. Intrinsic growth, limited growth, and net reproductive rates of FAWs feeding on GO supplemented diets were significantly lower than the control, while mean generational periods (0.5 mg/g: 38.47; 1 mg/g: 40.38; 2 mg/g: 38.42) were significantly longer than the control. The expression of genes encoding vitellogenin (Vg) and vitellogenin receptor (VgR) expression was abnormal in female FAW adults feeding on GO-amended diets; the number of eggs laid decreased relative to the control, but Vg expression increased. In conclusion, GO prolonged the developmental period of FAWs, decreased fecundity, and led to a decline in the population size. The study provides a basis for the rational use of GO as a pesticide synergist for FAW control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2640 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Phototactic Behavior between Two Migratory Pests, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera frugiperda
by Yong Wang, Yajun Chang, Sai Zhang, Xingchuan Jiang, Bin Yang and Guirong Wang
Insects 2022, 13(10), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13100917 - 9 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2422
Abstract
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an important migratory pest, causing great losses to agricultural production. Light trapping is a pesticide-free method for pest control and is influenced by many factors, especially wavelength and light intensity. In this study, a series [...] Read more.
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an important migratory pest, causing great losses to agricultural production. Light trapping is a pesticide-free method for pest control and is influenced by many factors, especially wavelength and light intensity. In this study, a series of phototactic behavioral assays were carried out and the physical parameters were included to identify phototactic responses of S. frugiperda, with Helicoverpa armigera as control. It was found that S. frugiperda showed the highest average phototactic rate to blue light among five different LED lights. The phototactic rates of the two moths increased gradually with light intensity and were not obviously influenced by sex. In addition, the phototactic rate of S. frugiperda was significantly lower under a low light intensity of UV light than that of H. armigera, further confirmed by the indoor simulation experiment and EC50. According to the obtained parameters, the trapping distance of S. frugiperda to blue light was smaller than that of H. armigera to UV light. Therefore, we summarized a proposal of using blue light for light traps to control S. frugiperda, with a maximum distance of no more than 108 m. These results provide an experimental and theoretical basis for improving light-trapping techniques for managing S. frugiperda. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 512 KiB  
Article
Intraguild Interactions of Three Biological Control Agents of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) in Florida
by Jermaine D. Perier, Muhammad Haseeb, Lambert H. B. Kanga, Robert L. Meagher and Jesusa C. Legaspi
Insects 2022, 13(9), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13090815 - 7 Sep 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2215
Abstract
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a maize pest worldwide. Its host range comprises more than 350 reported plant species, and it is the primary insect pest attacking maize in Florida. Global trade has not only assisted but accelerated [...] Read more.
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a maize pest worldwide. Its host range comprises more than 350 reported plant species, and it is the primary insect pest attacking maize in Florida. Global trade has not only assisted but accelerated its invasion into the Eastern Hemisphere. Regular pesticide use promotes resistance in the species; therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative pest management strategies. This study evaluated the interactions of biological control agents within a similar guild. Some of the reported interactions could potentially lead to the integration of these agents within the same niche to increase biological control efficiency against the fall armyworm. We evaluated three biocontrol agents that are natural enemies of Lepidopteran pests, the true bugs Podisus maculiventris and Euthyrhynchus floridanus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and a parasitoid, Cotesia marginiventris (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Depending on their intraguild interactions, these agents could potentially be useful for biological control of the fall armyworm. The study investigated these three biocontrol agents and concluded that integrating these agents to control the fall armyworm is a possibility; however, only under certain conditions. Investigations were focused on evaluating the predator–parasitoid and devised pairing interactions. Predator response to prey in a choice or no-choice scenario and choices based on olfaction or other bodily cues were studied under experimental laboratory conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 934 KiB  
Article
Sf-FGFR and Sf-SR-C Are Not the Receptors for Vip3Aa to Exert Insecticidal Toxicity in Spodoptera frugiperda
by Yinxue Shan, Minghui Jin, Swapan Chakrabarty, Bo Yang, Qi Li, Ying Cheng, Lei Zhang and Yutao Xiao
Insects 2022, 13(6), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13060547 - 14 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2907
Abstract
Vip3Aa is a novel insecticidal protein secreted by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) during its vegetative growth stages. It has high insecticidal activity against lepidopteran pests such as Spodoptera frugiperda, and has no cross-resistance with Cry insecticidal proteins. As a new type [...] Read more.
Vip3Aa is a novel insecticidal protein secreted by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) during its vegetative growth stages. It has high insecticidal activity against lepidopteran pests such as Spodoptera frugiperda, and has no cross-resistance with Cry insecticidal proteins. As a new type of insecticide, it plays an important role in controlling agricultural pests. However, the insecticidal mechanism of the Vip3Aa toxin, especially its definite receptors, have not been fully revealed. In this study, the previously reported Vip3Aa receptor genes Sf-FGFR and Sf-SR-C were knocked out separately using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Bioassay results showed that the sensitivity of these two knockout strains to Vip3Aa were not significantly changed compared to that of the normal strain. The current results are not consistent with the previously reports that Sf-SR-C and Sf-FGFR were the receptors of Vip3Aa in vitro. This suggests that the Sf-SR-C and Sf-FGFR genes we tested may not be critical in the mode of action of Vip3Aa in vivo in Spodoptera frugiperda. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1114 KiB  
Article
Safety Evaluation of Chemical Insecticides to Tetrastichus howardi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a Pupal Parasitoid of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Using Three Exposure Routes
by Zhuo Liu, Hao Su, Baoqian Lyu, Sanqiang Yan, Hui Lu and Jihong Tang
Insects 2022, 13(5), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13050443 - 7 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2585
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda has become a major pest in many crops worldwide. The main control strategies are biological and chemical controls. However, pesticides have varying degrees of toxicity to parasitic wasps in the field. To integrate chemical and biological controls, we evaluated the safety [...] Read more.
Spodoptera frugiperda has become a major pest in many crops worldwide. The main control strategies are biological and chemical controls. However, pesticides have varying degrees of toxicity to parasitic wasps in the field. To integrate chemical and biological controls, we evaluated the safety of insecticides to Tetrastichus howardi, an important pupal parasitoid of S. frugiperda. This study assessed the toxicity of six major control insecticides (emamectin benzoate, chlorfenapyr, indoxacarb, chlorantraniliprole, bisultap, and lufenuron) to T. howardi based on risk quotient. The results showed that indoxacarb had the lowest risk quotient (RQ = 7.43). Then the side effects of three sublethal concentrations (LC20, LC30, LC40) of indoxacarb were tested using three methods (1. Adult exposure to pesticide residues on the glass tube; 2. Adult exposure to pesticide residues on the host; 3. Larval exposure to pesticides through host exposure). Overall, T. howardi had a lower parasitism rate and emergence rate with the higher pesticide concentrations. Furthermore, among three methods, the adult exposure to pesticide residues on the glass tube was the most efficient in inhibiting the parasitism rate, and impairing the emergence rate and the offspring female/male ratio. This study guides a more scientific and comprehensive application of pesticides and releases natural enemies in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 995 KiB  
Article
Flight Capability and the Low Temperature Threshold of a Chinese Field Population of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda
by Hui Chen, Yao Wang, Le Huang, Chuan-Feng Xu, Jing-Hui Li, Feng-Ying Wang, Wei Cheng, Bo-Ya Gao, Jason W. Chapman and Gao Hu
Insects 2022, 13(5), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13050422 - 29 Apr 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3061
Abstract
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is capable of long-distance migration; thus, evaluation of its flight capability is relevant to the design of monitoring and control strategies for this pest. Previous studies have quantified the flight ability of lab-reared populations under [...] Read more.
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is capable of long-distance migration; thus, evaluation of its flight capability is relevant to the design of monitoring and control strategies for this pest. Previous studies have quantified the flight ability of lab-reared populations under controlled conditions, but less is known about the flight capability of natural populations. In addition, the low temperature threshold for flight in natural populations also needs to be determined. In this study, the flight capability of S. frugiperda adults emerging from field-collected larvae in South China was measured by a flight mill system. The results show that the flight capability of S. frugiperda moths varied greatly between individuals, and that some adults are capable of flying great distances. The longest self-powered flight distance was 116.7 km with a cumulative flight duration of 36.51 h during a 48-h period. Typically, the flight activity of tethered individuals was relatively stable during the first 12 h, indicating that migrating moths can fly through an entire night. Based on the accumulated flight duration in the first 12 h, moths can be clearly divided into two groups (<5 h and ≥5 h flight duration), and 58% of individuals belonged to the latter group with strong migratory tendency. Further, flight activity under low temperature conditions was tested, and the results of a logit generalized linear model indicate that the low temperature flight threshold of S. frugiperda is 13.1 °C under declining temperatures. Our results provide a scientific basis for further elucidating the flight biology and migration mechanism of S. frugiperda. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3068 KiB  
Article
Effects of Host Plants on Bacterial Community Structure in Larvae Midgut of Spodoptera frugiperda
by Ya-Ping Chen, Ya-Hong Li, Zhong-Xiang Sun, E-Wei Du, Zhi-Hui Lu, Hao Li and Fu-Rong Gui
Insects 2022, 13(4), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13040373 - 11 Apr 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3376
Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most important invasive species and causes great damage to various host crops in China. In this study, the diversity and function of gut bacteria in the 5th instar larvae of FAW fed [...] Read more.
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most important invasive species and causes great damage to various host crops in China. In this study, the diversity and function of gut bacteria in the 5th instar larvae of FAW fed on maize, wheat, potato and tobacco leaves were analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing. A total of 1324.25 ± 199.73, 1313.5 ± 74.87, 1873.00 ± 190.66 and 1435.25 ± 139.87 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from the gut of FAW fed on these four different host plants were detected, respectively. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant bacterial phyla. Beta diversity analysis showed that the gut bacterial community structure of larvae fed on different host plants was significantly differentiated. At the genus level, the abundance of Enterococcus in larvae fed on wheat was significantly lower than those fed on the other three host plants. Enterobacter and ZOR0006 were dominant in FAW fed on tobacco leaves, and in low abundance in larvae fed on wheat. Interestingly, when fed on Solanaceae (tobacco and potato) leaves which contained relative higher levels of toxic secondary metabolites than Gramineae (wheat and maize), the genera Enterococcus, Enterobacter and Acinetobacter were significantly enriched. The results indicated that gut bacteria were related to the detoxification and adaptation of toxic secondary metabolites of host plants in FAW. Further analysis showed that replication, repair and nucleotide metabolism functions were enriched in the gut bacteria of larvae fed on tobacco and potato. In conclusion, the gut bacterial diversity and community composition in FAW larvae fed on different host plants showed significant differences, and the insect is likely to regulate their gut bacteria for adaptation to different host plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

17 pages, 364 KiB  
Review
Impact of Temperature Change on the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda under Global Climate Change
by Xiao-Rui Yan, Zhen-Ying Wang, Shi-Qian Feng, Zi-Hua Zhao and Zhi-Hong Li
Insects 2022, 13(11), 981; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13110981 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4678
Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797), known as an important agricultural pest around the world, is indigenous to the tropical–subtropical regions in the Western Hemisphere, although its distribution has expanded over large parts of America, Africa, Asia and Oceania [...] Read more.
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797), known as an important agricultural pest around the world, is indigenous to the tropical–subtropical regions in the Western Hemisphere, although its distribution has expanded over large parts of America, Africa, Asia and Oceania in the last few years. The pest causes considerable costs annually coupled with its strong invasion propensity. Temperature is identified as the dominant abiotic factor affecting herbivorous insects. Several efforts have reported that temperature directly or indirectly influences the geographic distribution, phenology and natural enemies of the poikilothermal FAW, and thus may affect the damage to crops, e.g., the increased developmental rate accelerates the intake of crops at higher temperatures. Under some extreme temperatures, the FAW is likely to regulate various genes expression in response to environmental changes, which causes a wider viability and possibility of invasion threat. Therefore, this paper seeks to review and critically consider the variations of developmental indicators, the relationships between the FAW and its natural enemies and the temperature tolerance throughout its developmental stage at varying levels of heat/cold stress. Based on this, we discuss more environmentally friendly and economical control measures, we put forward future challenges facing climate change, we further offer statistical basics and instrumental guidance significance for informing FAW pest forecasting, risk analyses and a comprehensive management program for effective control globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

13 pages, 1068 KiB  
Brief Report
Cascading Effects of Cover Crops on the Subsequent Cash Crop Defense against the Polyphagous Herbivore Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
by Adegboyega Fajemisin, Alexis Racelis and Rupesh Kariyat
Insects 2023, 14(2), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14020177 - 10 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1737
Abstract
Recent studies have started to show that the benefits of cover crops can cascade to the cash crop growing seasons. However, the impact of cover crops on the subsequent cash crop defense against herbivores is not well understood. To test this, we conducted [...] Read more.
Recent studies have started to show that the benefits of cover crops can cascade to the cash crop growing seasons. However, the impact of cover crops on the subsequent cash crop defense against herbivores is not well understood. To test this, we conducted a field and laboratory study to assess the possible cascading effects of cover crops such as Vigna unguiculata, Sorghum drummondii, Raphanus sativus, and Crotalaria juncea on the subsequent cash crop (Sorghum bicolor) defense against the notorious polyphagous herbivore fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) across three farms in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Our field and laboratory studies showed that the cash crop planted in the cover crop treatment differentially affected S. frugiperda. More specifically, we found that cover crops have positive effects on the growth and development of S. frugiperda on the subsequent cash crop, including both larval and pupal parameters. However, our experiments on physical and chemical defenses in cash crops failed to show any significant differences between cover and control. Collectively, our results add an additional line of evidence on the effects of cover crops on pest dynamics outside the cash crop season, a key consideration for the selection and management of cover crops and cash crops, whose underlying mechanisms need to be examined further. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fall Armyworm Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop