Population Dynamics and Nutritional Indices of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Reared on Three Crop Species

Abstract

The fall armyworm (FAW) is an invasive pest that has been rapidly spreading across China since its detection in Yunnan province in January 2019. Although sugarcane and sorghum have been reported as hosts, their effects on FAW’s population growth and life table parameters have not been examined in China. Our research shows that FAW’s development and life table metrics vary significantly when reared on sorghum, sugarcane, and maize. Notably, the preadult stage, adult preoviposition period, and total preoviposition period of FAW were markedly longer on sugarcane and sorghum compared to maize. FAW reared on these two crops also exhibited reduced survival rates, pupal weight, fecundity, and lower female-to-male ratios. The study highlights that FAW had lower population growth rates, reproductive rates, and longer generation times on sugarcane and sorghum compared to maize. The consumption index and digestibility index were higher on maize, while conversion efficiency and growth rate were greater on sorghum. Although maize is the most favorable host, FAW can still survive and reproduce on sugarcane and sorghum during the nongrowing season, posing a risk to economically important crops in China. Despite being less favorable for population growth, sugarcane and sorghum still support FAW development and spread. Therefore, enhanced surveillance and early warning measures for sugarcane and sorghum are recommended to monitor FAW population dynamics and mitigate its potential impact on primary host plants.