First Record of Invasive Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)) in Corn Fields of Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an invasive polyphagous pest, particularly damaging to corn. Although native to American continents, it has spread in various African and Asian countries. However, no confirmed report of its presence has been made from Pakistan as it has already been reported from its neighbors India and China. So, this study was conducted in 15 corn growing areas of Sindh, Pakistan to determine the presence and damage status of FAW on fodder and grain corn along with sorghum and millet. The presence of FAW was confirmed from all corn growing districts of Sindh except Jacobabad, Larkana and Shikarpur districts of upper Sindh. The identification of FAW was done based on its morphological characters. More damage was recorded in fodder corn than grain corn. The presence of FAW was also recorded from sorghum and millet. The 100% damage was recorded on fodder corn in Shaheed Benazirabad district. Although this is the first record of FAW from Sindh, Pakistan, but, a country wide study along with molecular identification of FAW should be conducted to confirm its presence in corn growing areas of Pakistan. This could be helpful to restrict its further spread with proper management.