Biological control of Spodoptera frugiperda (Nixon) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in new invaded countries using insect pathogens

Abstract

Background The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Nixon) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is the major insect pest that infests cereal crops recently in African and Asian countries. The insect is polyphagous that attacks large numbers of host plants, especially maize and rice, causing considerable losses in their annual yield. The integrated pest management (IPM) of the insect depended mainly on insecticides and to some extent on biological control agents including insect pathogens (nematodes, fungi, bacteria and viruses). Results Different species of entomopathogens (nematodes, fungi, viruses and bacteria) infecting the insect could be isolated in such newly invaded countries. Laboratory and field experiments indicated that the insect was found to be susceptible to the isolated entomopathogens, and thus, they could be promising biocontrol agents against this insect. Conclusion This review article proved the susceptibility of S. frugiperda to the most of tested entomopathogens. However, more field studies have to be carried out in order to include such entomopathogens within integrated pest management programs against this insect pest.