Genetic studies of fall armyworm indicate a new introduction into Africa and identify limits to its migratory behavior.

ABSTRACT: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is native to the Americas and a major pest of corn and several other crops of economic importance. The species has characteristics that make it of particular concern as an invasive pest, including broad host range, long-distance migration behavior, and a propensity for field-evolved pesticide resistance. The discovery of fall armyworm in western Africa in 2016 was followed by what was apparently a remarkably rapid spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa by 2018, causing economic damage estimated in the tens of billions USD and threatening the food security of the continent. Understanding the history of the fall armyworm invasion of Africa and the genetic composition of the African populations is critical to assessing the risk posed to diff

SUBMITTER: Nagoshi RN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8816908 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature