Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith, 1797), commonly known as the fall armyworm (FAW), is a highly polyphagous lepidopteran pest that causes significant impact on global agriculture due to its rapid spread. The host range of FAW includes 353 plant species from over 76 families. Though being polyphagous, Poaceae is the most preferred host, followed by Asteraceae and Fabaceae. Since its first observation in West Africa as an invasive in 2016, this pest has set afoot in worldwide, including Asia and parts of Australia. Its rapid spread poses a significant threat to agriculture, which influences global food security and economies, as reported by FAO in 2020. After its first report in India by 2018, several research groups have been formed and have started working on the management of this pest. Lacking a general coordination, many of the self-initiated research groups were focused on extermination measures and very few on prevention and potential spread. With 161 host plants as this study reports from India, it is imperative to make policy interventions, initiate awareness and training on this subject. This review comprehensively examines national studies addressing the pest’s biology, determinants of its status, host susceptibility, genetic variability, and strategies for its management and containment. The study recommends proper quarantine measures, robust early warning systems, rapid and sustainable management strategies, and targeted funding to strengthen currently underexplored research areas as this pest had succeeded in the establishment phase within the country.