Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E Smith) (Noctuidae, Lepidoptera) is a native pest to North and South America. It was reported out of its native region from Africa in 2016. Since then, FAW has invaded most of Africa and parts of the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Their biological parameters, viz., strong flying capacity, climate adaptability, and wide host range, make them a better colonizing agent than other species of armyworms. In India, it was reported in 2018 and has emerged as a key pest, dominating the existing pests within the span of 2–3 years. It has also become a threat to food security as it could also attack the other key food crops, viz., rice, sorghum, soyabean, cotton and vegetables. Lack of larval diapause and the rapid development of resistance to insecticides and Bt toxins are also alarming factors. Hence, it is not an easy job to tackle the FAW with a single intervention. Many countries have realized that the integrated use of numerous viable management options is of greater importance than the intensive use of a single tactic. Integrated pest management (IPM) programmes targeting the FAW were formulated, emphasizing the utilization of biocontrol agents and bio-pesticides.
Biological Control Approach, Invasive Pest, Fall Armyworm, Maize
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