Detection of the occurrence of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) strains on maize in Southern Rajasthan India

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), a polyphagous lepidopteran pest that is native to tropical and sub-tropical America has recently invaded the African and Asian countries. Presently, the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI)—gene-based molecular characterization of FAW samples from the maize fields of Southern Rajasthan has revealed the occurrence of corn and rice strains there. The occurrence of such S. frugiperda population in the Rajasthan region could be traced to its origin in the Florida-Caribbean region or African region. Further, the Tpi gene region analysis showed that the S. frugiperda forms found in the maize fields are only the corn strains. In the Indian Rajasthan populations of FAW, the Tpi-variant2 category is the highest one and is then followed by the Tpi-variant1 and Tpi-variant3 was unique with C and T at Tpie4192 and Tpie4198, respectively. Further research is needed towards the confirmation of these tentatively identified strains of S. frugiperda that would in turn be helpful for the proper monitoring, host-plant identification and the effective management of such pests.