Impact of Temperature Change on the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda under Global Climate Change

Simple Summary The fall armyworm (FAW) is of tropical-subtropical origin and defined as one of the most destructive agricultural pests globally. Superior migratory performance, reproductive ability and adaptability make it successful in causing a serious loss to agricultural production. Since this species lacks a diapause mechanism, temperature influences the population dynamic of the FAW to a great extent and changes metabolic and developmental states as a result, indirectly affecting the degree of crop infested. Control technologies can be put forward comprehensively in consideration of the effects of temperature on the FAW. In this review, we discussed the biological manifestation and tolerance of the FAW with various temperatures and proposed constructive suggestions for controlling this species and future research direction. This information is valuable for understanding the relationships between insect pests and temperature, strengthening the monitoring and pest control, providing service and support for newly developed strategies in the near future. The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797), known as an important agricultural pest around the world, is indigenous to the tropical-subtropical regions in the Western Hemisphere, although its distribution has expanded over large parts of America, Africa, Asia and Oceania in the last few years. The pest causes considerable costs annually coupled with its strong invasion propensity. Temperature is identified as the dominant abiotic factor affecting herbivorous insects. Several efforts have reported that temperature directly or indirectly influences the geographic distribution, phenology and natural enemies of the poikilothermal FAW, and thus may affect the damage to crops, e.g., the increased developmental rate accelerates the intake of crops at higher temperatures. Under some extreme temperatures, the FAW is likely to regulate various genes expression in response to environmental changes, which causes a wider viability and possibility of invasion threat. Therefore, this paper seeks to review and critically consider the variations of developmental indicators, the relationships between the FAW and its natural enemies and the temperature tolerance throughout its developmental stage at varying levels of heat/cold stress. Based on this, we discuss more environmentally friendly and economical control measures, we put forward future challenges facing climate change, we further offer statistical basics and instrumental guidance significance for informing FAW pest forecasting, risk analyses and a comprehensive management program for effective control globally.

Automated summary

The fall armyworm is a highly destructive agricultural pest of tropical-subtropical origins, with its population dynamics and crop damage significantly influenced by temperature. This review discusses the biological manifestations and tolerance of the fall armyworm at different temperatures, providing constructive suggestions for control strategies and future research directions. The information presented in the paper aims to enhance understanding of the relationship between insect pests and temperature, strengthen monitoring and pest control efforts, and support the development of effective strategies for global pest management.