(Current Science Association, Bengaluru, 2020) Suby, S.B.; Soujanya, P. Lakshmi; Yadava, Pranjal; Patil, Jagadeesh; Subaharan, K.; Prasad, G. Shyam; Babu, K. Srinivasa; Jat, S. L.; Yathish, K. R.; Vadassery, Jyothilakshmi; Kalia, Vinay K.; Bakthavatsalam, N.; Shekhar, J. C.; Rakshit, Sujay
Fall armyworm (FAW; Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E.
Smith)) is emerging as the most destructive pest of
maize in India since its report in May 2018. Its rapid
spread to more than 90% of maize-growing areas of
diverse agro-ecologies of India within a span of 16
months presents a major challenge to smallholder
maize farmers, maize-based industry, as well as food
and nutritional security. FAW has been reported from
other crops as well like sorghum and millets with
varied proportion of economic damage. In this review,
the transboundary movement of FAW, role of ecology,
its spread and damage are discussed. Management of
FAW by developing and deploying various pest
management tools is elaborated. The role of agroecological measures for reducing FAW damage with
African experiences has also been highlighted.
