A REVIEW ON ALIEN INVASIVE PEST FALL ARMYWORM (Spodoptera frugiperda) INFESTATION AND ITS CONTROL IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is an alien invasive pest which has been highly
adapted to the climatic conditions of Sri Lanka in recent times. The fall armyworm caused a
severe loss of maize production since its introduction in late 2018. The pest infected
approximately 50% of the maize cultivation and caused 20% of total damage by its fast
migration as well as breeding abilities. It is hard to control the fall armyworm because of these
special characteristics. However, there are several methods used in other countries to keep the
population and infestation under control. Hence, integrated pest management strategies are
believed to be an effective strategy to control the FAW. Therefore, this review discusses the
infestation and control of FAW, which could be important to improve the control in Sri Lanka.