Eight nations have come together at the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to explore the challenges and devise solutions to combat the rapidly escalating issue of the Fall Armyworm (FAW). Delegates from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and other South and Southeast Asian countries have gathered for a regional workshop titled ‘Fall Armyworm management in Asia’. The U.S. is also tackling the FAW issue in several African countries. With the emergence of FAW in South and Southeast Asia, immediate collaboration is critical to control its spread and reduce crop losses.
Origins and Spread of Fall Armyworm
The presence of Fall Armyworm was first documented in West Africa in 2016. The pest swiftly assumed epidemic proportions spreading to over 44 African countries. In India, the infection was initially reported in Karnakata, further sightings were noted in pockets of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Impact on Agriculture
FAW, scientifically known as Spodoptera frugiperda, is a lepidopteran pest. It feeds in sizable quantities on the leaves and stems of over 80 plant species, inflicting significant damage. The agriculture crops most affected include maize, rice, sorghum, and sugarcane. Furthermore, the pest attacks vegetable crops and cotton. The female moth of the pest lays eggs, which hatch into caterpillars. These caterpillars consume parts of the host crop plants, pupate, and transform into new moths. The majority of these pests have been found in maize fields.
Reproduction and Migration
The adult moth of the pest is highly mobile, able to cover almost 100 km a night and nearly 500 km before laying eggs. This enables it to invade new areas quite quickly. Each female moth, on average, lays an astounding 1,500 eggs.
| Infestations | Distribution | Affected Crops |
|---|---|---|
| First reported in West Africa in 2016 | Spread to over 44 African countries | Affects over 80 plant species |
| First reported in India in Karnataka | Found in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat | Mainly affects maize, but also crops such as rice, sorghum, sugarcane, vegetable crops and cotton |
Collaborative Efforts at ICRISAT
The nations present at the ICRISAT are working together to understand the FAW and devise ways to manage its spread in South and Southeast Asia. The collaboration is in urgent response to the FAW challenge that has presented itself in these regions, and aims to minimize crop loss.
