Predominance of Invasive Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) In Indian Crop Ecosystem

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a noxious lepidopteran pest originated as a key pest of maize crop but it is also common on rice, sorghum, millets, sugarcane and is sporadically important on a vast array of accruing crops and plants, including cotton and vegetables. The introduction of this pest in the tropics is a major concern, as the favorable environment and the absence of natural enemies eventually allow it to thrive without competition. The rapid spread of S. frugiperda can be attributed to its sporadic and long-distance migratory behaviour. It is notorious invasive pest with high dispersal ability, broad host range, and high fecundity which makes the fall armyworm one of the most severe economic pests. In the Indian subcontinent, the first record of S. frugiperda was observed in 2018 from Karnataka, which later spread to Chhattisgarh, Orrisa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and many other states. Larva being the voracious feeder, is the most damaging stage of this pest. Control strategies include cultural practices, biological management, mechanical control, and chemical control. FAW management necessitates an integrated approach that supplements current smallholder pest management techniques. The role of native crop ecosystem adaptability on FAW needs to be explored.