A REVIEW ON INVASION AND MANAGEMENT OF FALL ARMYWORM (SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA) IN NEPAL

Abstract

Nepal faces a significant risk of invasive species posing a direct threat to food security and native biodiversity. With the potentiality of causing a considerable loss in yield and quality, invasive pest species can lead to significant damage in the Nepalese agricultural sector. Fall armyworm is a polyphagous, transboundary invasive pest that invaded Nepal in August 2019. They have a wide host range, the potentiality to establish rapidly and are highly migratory. Maize is the major host of fall armyworm which comes second in terms of production and area cultivated in Nepal. Spread and establishment of this pest are enhanced during the monsoon season of the country with favorable climate and temperature. This review presents an introductory pathway of the invasive pest, biology, lifecycle, status, and management of fall armyworm in Nepal. Integrated pest management can be the best approach for the management of this pest. Control of this invasive pest requires early monitoring, scientific research, and management strategy with awareness, knowledge, and technical support to Nepalese farmers.