First record of a parasitoid, Megaselia (M) scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae) of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from India

AbstractThe fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has become a major threat in maize cultivation since its invasion to India in 2018. The humpbacked fly, Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae), was recorded as a laboratory parasitoid of FAW, for the first time in India. Initially, 30–40 maggots of M. (M) scalaris emerged out from the dead pre-pupa and pupa of laboratory-reared FAW. The fly laid up to 15 eggs on the outer surface of 6th instar larva or pre-pupa of the FAW. The incubation period was 1–2 days. The fly had 3 larval instars which lasted 3–4 days and a pupal period of 10–11 days. The adults survived for 6–7 days.

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First Record of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in Rwanda

African Entomology ◽

10.4001/003.026.0244 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 244-246 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

B. Uzayisenga ◽

B. Waweru ◽

J. Kajuga ◽

P. Karangwa ◽

B. Uwumukiza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

First Record ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

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SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE), AN INVASIVE PEST IN AGRICULTURAL CROPS AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Plant Protection ◽

10.33804/pp.004.03.3424 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 149-153

Author(s):

Ahmad Hassan Tahir ◽

Muhammad Tariq ◽

Aqsa Mazhar ◽

Muhammad Shehzad

Keyword(s):

Host Range ◽

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Central Africa ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Cultural Control ◽

Invasive Pest ◽

Tropical Regions ◽

Favorable Conditions ◽

First Time ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) commonly known as fall armyworm (FAW), is a pest that invaded the sub-tropical and tropical regions of America. In 2016, it was reported for the first time in central Africa and within a year it was reported from many countries of Africa. It then spread in Asia and in 2018 it was reported in India, and now its infestation was seen in Pakistan. Its strong flight, climatic adaptableness and large host range makes it a good colonizing agent as compared to other species of Spodoptera. In potential managing strategies we must know about its primary information such as its biology, host range, habitat and favorable conditions. Identification and life cycle is the most important process in the management of this pest. IPM strategies include physical and cultural control, botanical control, biological control and chemical control. These strategies will help in management of FAW. All these aspects have been reviewed in this article.

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First record of Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) parasitizing Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Brazil

Arquivos do Instituto Biológico ◽

10.1590/1808-1657000302016 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 84 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Ronaldo Toma ◽

Antonia Roel ◽

Regiane Miranda

Keyword(s):

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

First Record ◽

Mato Grosso ◽

First Time ◽

The City ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae ◽

Mato Grosso Do Sul

ABSTRACT: Collections of larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) carried out in the field in three localities in the city of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, from October 2012 to March 2014, recorded the presence of three species of Diptera parasitizing Spodoptera frugiperda: two species of Tachinidae, Achytas incertus (Macquart, 1851) and Winthemia trinitatis Thompson, 1963, and one species of Sarcophagidae, Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann, 1830). The latter is identified for the first time parasitizing S. frugiperda in Brazil.

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Parasitoid Distribution and Parasitism of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Different Maize Producing Regions of Uganda

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects12020121 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 121

Author(s):

Michael Hilary Otim ◽

Stella Adumo Aropet ◽

Moses Opio ◽

Dalton Kanyesigye ◽

Henry Nakelet Opolot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Production Management ◽

Biological Diversity ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Parasitoid Species ◽

Field Surveys ◽

Beneficial Insects ◽

Sorghum Production ◽

First Time ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has successfully invaded Africa, where it has significantly impacted maize and sorghum production. Management of FAW in Africa predominantly relies on synthetic insecticides, which are expensive, and negatively impact the environment and beneficial insects. We, therefore, conducted field surveys in Uganda in 2017 and 2019 to identify egg and larval parasitoids of FAW for possible use in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Parasitoids were identified by their mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mtCOI) gene sequences. We identified 13 parasitoid species belonging to three families of Hymenoptera: Platygastridae, Braconidae and Ichneumonidae, as well as one Dipteran family (Tachinidae). Coccygidium spp. and Chelonus bifoveolatus were the most abundant and widely distributed parasitoids. Overall, parasitism averaged 9.2% and ranged from 3.1% to 50% in 2017, and 0.8% to 33% in 2019. Parasitism by Sturmiopsis parasitica, Diolcogaster sp., and Cotesia flavipes on FAW in maize crops are reported for the first time. Our results suggest high biological diversity of FAW parasitoids, which should be exploited in the IPM of the FAW in Uganda.

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First report of natural infestation of Ovomermis sinensis (Nematoda: Mermithidae) parasitizing fall armyworm Spodoptera sp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Himachal Pradesh, India

10.21203/rs.3.rs-405207/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kasi Indra Kumar ◽

Kanchhi Maya Waiba ◽

Mohinder Singh

Keyword(s):

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

First Record ◽

Himachal Pradesh ◽

Severe Damage ◽

Ovomermis Sinensis ◽

The Family ◽

Natural Infestation ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae ◽

Beneficial Organisms

Abstract Spodoptera frugiperda invaded in India at the end of 2018 and has caused severe damage to maize including other crops. Several S. frugiperda naturally parasitized by nematodes were observed in Nauni, Himachal Pradesh, India. The morphological features based on the results of scanning electron microscopy indicated that the nematode belongs to the family Mermithidae. Furthermore, characters discovered that the nematode belongs to Ovomermis sinensis, a known entomoparasitic nematode. Our finding was the first record that S. frugiperda, was naturally parasitized by O. sinensis. The results of this study are of great importance for potential biological control of S. frugiperda by indigenous natural beneficial organisms, i.e., O. sinensis within an integrated pest management system.

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First Record of Invasive Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)) in Corn Fields of Sindh, Pakistan

Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.17582/journal.pjar/2020/33.2.247.252 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Arfan Ahmed Gilal ◽

Lubna Bashir ◽

Muhammad Faheem ◽

Asad Rajput ◽

Junaid Ahmed Soomro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

First Record ◽

Corn Fields ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

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Farmers’ knowledge, perception and management practices of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Smith) in Manica province, Mozambique

NeoBiota ◽

10.3897/neobiota.68.62844 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 68 ◽

pp. 127-143

Author(s):

Albasini Caniço ◽

António Mexia ◽

Luisa Santos

Keyword(s):

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Management Practices ◽

Smallholder Farmers ◽

Insect Pest ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Financial Resources ◽

Management Options ◽

Maize Cultivation ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae ◽

Structured Questionnaire

This study aimed to gather information about farmers’ knowledge, perception and management practices of the newly introduced insect pest, the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Manica province, Mozambique. A total of 200 smallholder farmers with experience in maize cultivation were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The survey was conducted between May and August 2019 in four districts: Macate, Manica, Sussundenga and Vanduzi. Most farmers were unable to morphologically identify fall armyworm (FAW) (from 93.9% in Vanduzi to 98.0% in Manica). Most farmers have experienced FAW damage in their farms (from 92% in Macate to 98.0% in Manica). Maize is mostly planted in October and November (from 44.0% in Sussundenga to 60.0% of farmers in Manica), but the highest infestation period is believed to be between November and February. With the exception of Vanduzi where 65.3% of farmers apply insecticides, most farmers in other districts do not use any method to control FAW (from 60.8% in Macate to 88.0% in Manica and Sussundenga respectively). Among those applying insecticides, from 65.0% in Manica to 75.0% in Vanduzi have confidence in the efficiency of the insecticides being used against FAW. Most farmers reported an increase in the spread of FAW. The lack of financial resources is reported as the main constraint in the fight against FAW. This study is the first of its nature in the province of Manica and provides valuable information that may support extension services and researchers when designing FAW management options for local smallholder farmers.

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First record of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on maize in Viet Nam

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.11 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4772 (2) ◽

pp. 396-400

Author(s):

DAO THI HANG ◽

NGUYEN VAN LIEM ◽

PHẠM VĂN LAM ◽

KRIS A.G. WYCKHUYS

Keyword(s):

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Rural Livelihoods ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

First Record ◽

Poultry Feed ◽

Value Chains ◽

Viet Nam ◽

Invasion History ◽

Lepidopteran Pest ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

The neotropical fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is an important lepidopteran pest with a broad geographical distribution (Goergen et al. 2015, Early et al. 2018, Sharanabasappa et al. 2018). Larvae of S. frugiperda feed on more than 350 plant species, including several economically-important crops such as maize, sugarcane or rice (Montezano et al. 2018). Following its invasion of the African continent and of South Asia in 2016 and 2018 respectively, FAW has caused important crop losses and associated livelihood impacts (Baudron et al., 2019). During 2019, FAW rapidly spread across Southeast Asia and FAW-attributed feeding damage was recorded on maize in Viet Nam. In Viet Nam, maize is the second most important staple food crop after rice, is extensively used for livestock production and poultry feed, and thus plays a central role in sustaining rural livelihoods (Dang et al. 2004). Hence, the recent FAW invasion and the anticipated pest-induced yield losses will carry important repercussions for local maize value chains and are likely to degrade farmers’ revenue base. In this study, we conducted a morphological and molecular identification of locally-collected FAW individuals to better characterize the species’ invasion history in Viet Nam.

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Susceptibility of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), to four species of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) from Mizoram, North-Eastern India

Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control ◽

10.1186/s41938-021-00453-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hrang Chal Lalramnghaki ◽

Lalramliana ◽

Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga ◽

Vanlalhlimpuia ◽

Mary Lalramchuani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Control ◽

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Entomopathogenic Nematodes ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Instar Larva ◽

Life Stages ◽

Eastern India ◽

Larval Instars ◽

North Eastern ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Abstract Background Outbreak of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) occurred in Mizoram, North-Eastern India. The infestation spread in the entire state covering a total area of around 2840 hectares of maize cultivated land. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) represent potential candidates for the biological control of S. frugiperda. In the study, the susceptibility of the pest against 4 locally isolated EPN species Heterorhabditis indica, H. baujardi, Steinernema sangi and S. surkhetense was evaluated. Results The results indicated that all the isolated EPN species showed a high rate of larvicidal and pupicidal activities against the pest. Mortality between 43.75–100.00 and 25.00–100.00% of 3rd and 5th larval instars, respectively (at concentrations 10–800 IJs/larva), and 37.50–68.75% mortality of pupae (at concentrations 200–1600 IJs /pupa) were found after exposure to the EPN species. The mortality rate of the pest showed significant variations with life stages of the host insect, nematode concentrations and incubation time. Based on the median lethal concentration (LC50), H. indica was the most pathogenic species, followed by S. sangi, H. baujardi and S. surkhetense. The LC50 values of H. indica at 72 h post-incubation were 20.26 and 62.07 IJs/larva for the 3rd and 5th larval instars, respectively, and 913.34 IJs/pupa. The penetration assay showed that H. indica had the highest penetration rate into the hosts, 27.24, 21.30 and 20.00% in the 3rd, 5th larval instars and pupae, respectively. Furthermore, all the EPN isolates were capable of successful multiplication inside the cadaver of S. frugiperda that showed significant differences with the EPN isolates and life stages of the pest. Among the isolates, H. indica showed the highest multiplication rates, 17,692.25 ± 2103.59, 8345.63 ± 785.34 and 79,146.38 ± 5943.73 IJs per 3rd instar larva, 5th instar larva and pupa, respectively. Conclusions The study revealed that the 4 species of EPNs showed a high potency against S. frugiperda, thereby having the potential to be developed as a biological control agent against the pest. Moreover, the isolated EPN species could potentially serve as alternatives for chemical insecticides and could further be incorporated into the Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

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Impact of an Exotic Invasive Pest, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on Resident Communities of Pest and Natural Enemies in Maize Fields in Kenya

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11061074 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1074

Author(s):

Bonoukpoè Mawuko Sokame ◽

Boaz Musyoka ◽

Julius Obonyo ◽

François Rebaudo ◽

Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural Enemies ◽

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Fall Armyworm ◽

Invasive Pest ◽

Growth Stages ◽

Insect Communities ◽

Exotic Invasive Species ◽

Before And After ◽

Exotic Invasive ◽

Lepidoptera Noctuidae

The interactions among insect communities influence the composition of pest complexes that attack crops and, in parallel, their natural enemies, which regulate their abundance. The lepidopteran stemborers have been the major maize pests in Kenya. Their population has been regulated by natural enemies, mostly parasitoids, some of which have been used for biological control. It is not known how a new exotic invasive species, such as the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), may affect the abundance and parasitism of the resident stemborers. For this reason, pest and parasitism surveys have been conducted, before and after the FAW invaded Kenya, in maize fields in 40 localities across 6 agroecological zones (AEZs) during the maize-growing season, as well as at 3 different plant growth stages (pre-tasseling, reproductive, and senescence stages) in 2 elevations at mid-altitude, where all maize stemborer species used to occur together. Results indicated that the introduction of the FAW significantly correlated with the reduction of the abundance of the resident communities of maize stemborers and parasitoids in maize fields; moreover, the decrease of stemborer density after the arrival of FAW occurred mostly at both reproductive and senescent maize stages. It also suggests a possible displacement of stemborers by FAW elsewhere; for example, to other cereals. However, since this study was conducted only three years after the introduction of the FAW, further studies will need to be conducted to confirm such displacements.

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