CURRENT PERSPECTIVE OF FALL ARMYWORM Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) AND ITS DEVELOPED RESISTANCE TO INSECTICIDES

Abstract

Background. Fall Armyworm (FAW) is one of the most damaging agricultural pests found in Western Hemisphere, and it is now one of the key pests on several crops on America, Africa, Oceania, and Asia; becoming a major threat to food safety in many countries, due to losses caused to farmers. Objective. Review current knowledge of FAW resistance to active ingredients in the world. Methodology. A systematic study was carried out by collecting information from scientific writings, from first reports of resistance of fall armyworm to the more current ones, which included different national and international databases. Main finding. FAW control for decades has been based on the use of chemical insecticides; this has generated applications increase without control and therefore, resistance of the pest. FAW resistance has been reported since 1965; today, FAW has been reported to be resistant to 33 active ingredients in different parts of the world. Implications. The knowledge generated is essential to plan control strategies. Conclusion. The development of new chemical insecticide molecules and the emergence of Bt technology have not achieved good control of FAW. Management strategies for FAW need to be implemented not only in Mexico, but in all places where FAW is present, to avoid further increase FAW resistance to of insecticides and Bt crops; otherwise, the FAW will be present in more places in the world, putting the food safety in more countries at risk.