Development of indigenous virulent strain of nucleopolyhedrovirus for the management of invasive insect pest Fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda J E Smith in India

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.), often referred to as the quotqueen of cereals,quot is globally recognized for its diverse applications including its use as food, feed, fodder, and a raw material in numerous industrial products. Many pests infestation are there on maize crop, among the major pests affecting maize cultivation are the stem borer, pink stem borer, and shoot fly. Recently, the Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an invasive insect species, has become an extremely harmful pest in maize fields. Native to the Americas, FAW has rapidly spread across continents and is now well established in Africa and Asia, including India. Spodoptera frugiperda was first detected in India in May 2018, where it caused severe damage to maize crops and subsequently spread to neighbouring countries. newline