Identifying potential parasitoids of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, and the risk to Australian horticulture

Abstract

In Australia, sweet corn and maize are reported as a highly preferred host crops of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda; FAW). Within the short period from the detection of FAW, significant crop damage (anecdotally up to 90%) was observed in sweet corn and maize crops in QLD, NSW and WA. Whilst damage to other horticultural crops has been limited, there is concern that, as populations increase, and FAW adapts to Australian conditions it will move onto other crops. Recent infestations of FAW include brassicas, capsicum, melons, cucumber, heliconia and okra. This report describes the scientific literature review of FAW parasitoids, economic risk analysis for horticulture crops, results of the field survey and sampling of endemic parasitoids, and update on FAW host plant status.