Microbiological resources- an alternate approach for sustainable management of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

Abstract

Fall Army Worm (Spodoptera frugiperda), with the traits of devastating, voracious, polyphagous nature had recently imposed a global threat. Possessing these traits, this pest constituted a threat to global food security by ambushing more than several host plant species. To tackle this pest, insecticide management approaches was used initially. Later, with a better comprehension of the dynamic biology of the pest, such as their long migration capability, their ability to develop resistance against insecticide and the adverse effects of pesticides on human and the environment, an alternative strategy which is environmentally safe i.e., biological control approaches that is effective and low-risk is laid emphasis. A rich diversity of microbial populations which have the ability to infect the pest to a certain degree in nature remains untapped, and if so, identification of high virulence and productive strains within the population is lacking hitherto. This review focused on the information regarding the scenario of the occurring pest and its damaging nature to the host plants and microbial agents with their surplus potentialities along with the mode of interactions with the insect pest and self-perpetuating nature and their boon of disarming nature. The details of each microbe viz., fungi, bacteria and viruses that possess the traits of controlling the pest naturally are briefed with an insight into molecular information, present findings, constraint and future prospects.