Invasive Species Compendium

Detailed coverage of invasive species threatening livelihoods and the environment worldwide

Fall armyworm portal

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Welcome to the fall armyworm (FAW) portal. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a lepidopteran pest that feeds in large numbers on leaves and stems of more than 80 plant species, causing major damage to maize, rice, sorghum, sugarcane but also other vegetable crops and cotton. 

Fall armyworm is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. In 2016 it was reported for the first time in Africa, where it is causing significant damage to maize crops and has great potential for further spread and economic damage.

This portal contains a selection of news, research, practical extension materials, videos and other resources on fall armyworm. Below is a sample of the resources available. To see the full list click the ‘see more’ links below, or enter ‘fall armyworm’ or ‘Spodoptera frugiperda’ in the site search above. 

The information comes from many organisations and sources. To see a list of organisations currently working on fall armyworm you can view our organizations taking action page.

If you have resources that you would like to be included, please contact isc@cabi.org.

Identification and management

Datasheet
Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm)
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a lepidopteran pest that feeds in large numbers on the leaves, stems and reproductive parts of more than 350 plant...
Management Factsheets
Fall armyworm: a crop invader on the march.
Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), (2020). External factsheets. Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). unpaginated English Language
Fall armyworm on maize - Nepal.
CABI,Nepal Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre, (2019). Pest Management Decision Guides. CABI. 1 pp. Nepali Language
Identification guides
Fall armyworm photo guide - identification.
CABI,Nepal Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre, (2019). Identification guides. CABI. 2 pp. Nepali Language
What is fall armyworm and why is it a threat?
Krupnik, T. J.,Dhungana, H., (2019). Identification guide. CIMMYT: CSISA. 2 pp. English Language
Posters and Leaflets
How to identify fall armyworm.
CABI, (2019). Posters and leaflets. FAO/CABI. 1 pp. Amharic Language
Fall armyworm photo guide - identification.
CABI, (2019). Posters and leaflets. FAO/CABI. 2 pp. English Language
Manuals
Community-based fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) monitoring, early warning and management.
FAO,UK, CABI, (2019). Manuals. Food and Agriculture Organization. 112 pp. English Language
A guide to biological control of fall armyworm in Africa using egg parasitoids.
Tefera, T.,Goftishu, M.,Ba, M.,Muniappan, R., (2019). Manuals. ICIPE. 108 pp. English Language

Latest research articles from CAB Abstracts

Abstract
Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass).
Rojas-Sandoval, J. (2020). Invasive Species Compendium (13115) CABI, Wallingford, UK.
Abstract
Bioactivity of common pesticidal plants on fall armyworm larvae (Spodoptera frugiperda).
Phambala, K.; Tembo, Y.; Kasambala, T.; Kabambe, V. H.; Stevenson, P. C.; Belmain, S. R. (2020). Plants 9(1) MDPI AG, Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract
Parasitoid complex of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, in Ghana and Benin.
Agboyi, L. K.; Goergen, G.; Beseh, P.; Mensah, S. A.; Clottey, V. A.; Glikpo, R.; Buddie, A.; Cafà, G.; Offord, L.; Day, R.; Rwomushana, I.; Kenis, M. (2020). Insects 11(2) MDPI AG, Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract
Influence of temperature on the interaction for resource utilization between fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and a community of lepidopteran maize stemborers larvae.
Sokame, B. M.; Rebaudo, F.; Malusi, P.; Subramanian, S.; Kilalo, D. C.; Juma, G.; Calatayud, P. A. (2020). Insects 11(2) MDPI AG, Basel, Switzerland.

Toolbox

Reports

Technical guidelines for sustainable management of fall armyworm along its seasonal migration pathways.
Guidance note 7. Addressing the impact of COVID-19 on the global action for fall armyworm control.
Technical guidelines for sustainable management of fall armyworm in its year-round breeding areas.
The global action for fall armyworm control. Action framework 2020-2022: working together to tame the global threat.

Useful links and resources

Organizations taking action on FAW
FAW environmental suitability maps
FAO Fall Armyworm
FAO-FAMEWS mobile app
SAWBO's "How to Identify and Scout for Fall Armyworm" video
Lancaster University Armyworm Network
'Feed the Future' Agrilinks
Fall Armyworm community platform
FAW Research for Development Conference, October, Addis Ababa
Bugwood images

Videos

Fall Armyworm Life Cycle
Fall Armyworm: What to do
Fall Armyworm in Ghana
Fall armyworm in Uganda
Biological Control of Fall Armyworm in Maize in Bangladesh
see more videos...