Genetic comparisons of fall armyworm populations from 11 countries spanning sub-Saharan Africa provide insights into strain composition and migratory behaviors.

ABSTRACT: The recent discovery of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, J.E. Smith) in Africa presents a significant threat to that continent's food security. The species exhibits several traits in the Western Hemisphere that if transferred to Africa would significantly complicate control efforts. These include a broad host range, long-distance migratory behavior, and resistance to multiple pesticides that varies by regional population. Therefore, determining which fall armyworm subpopulations are present in Africa could have important implications for risk assessments and mitigation efforts. The current study is an extension of earlier surveys that together combine the collections from 11 nations to produce the first genetic description of fall armyworm populations spanning the sub-Saharan region.

SUBMITTER: Nagoshi RN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6549444 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature