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Member Symposium

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

Current Research and Future Challenges for Management of Corn Pests

No strain, no gain: Why understanding Spodoptera frugiperda strains in the field matters for research and management

Sunday, November 10, 2024
8:35 AM – 8:50 AM MST
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 127 A, PCC
Oral Presentation
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, represents a formidable management challenge as a polyphagous Noctuid species, particularly as a pest of corn, sorghum, pasture and other crops in the United States. Notably, this species comprises two morphologically identical yet genetically distinct strains known as the C-strain and the R-strain. Beyond their genetic differences, these strains also exhibit phenotypic differences in a number of traits including host plant use, habitat distribution, mating behaviors, and susceptibilities to insecticides. Despite mounting evidence of genetic, behavioral, and ecological differentiations, incorporating knowledge of local population strain composition remains a notable gap in most fall armyworm research and management strategies. In this presentation, we aim to provide a concise overview of fall armyworm strain biology, highlighting ongoing efforts in strain characterization and monitoring. Moreover, we will explore how a nuanced understanding of strain biology can more effectively inform and enhance fall armyworm research and management efforts in the United States.