The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) is a highly destructive pest that poses a significant threat to agricultural crops worldwide. Originating from the Americas, this voracious worm has rapidly spread to different regions, including Africa, Asia, and Europe, causing widespread crop damage and economic losses. Fall armyworm larvae feed on a wide range of host plants, with a particular affinity for maize (corn), but also affecting crops such as rice, sorghum, sugarcane, cotton, and vegetables. The impact of fall armyworm on agriculture is severe and multifaceted.
The larvae consume plant foliage, leading to defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and stunted growth. Infested crops often display characteristic "windowpane" feeding patterns, leaving behind skeletonized leaves. Additionally, fall armyworm larvae have the ability to bore into plant structures, causing secondary infections and making the plants susceptible to diseases. The combined effect of direct feeding damage and weakened plant health can result in significant yield losses, threatening food security and economic stability in affected regions.
For this experiment, one day old virgin moths were used and mating was permitted by pairing the moths in the second scotophase after eclosion. Although copulation can occur during the first scotophase, the maximum number of females copulate during the second scotophase due to their reproductive maturity. So, 1-day old virgin moths were selected. We designated the four groups A, B, C, and D to represent different conditions and time points.
Virgin females at 0 hours (VF0) - Female moths that had not mated and were collected immediately for analysis.
Mated females at 0 hours (MF0) - Female moths that had successfully mated, and the male spermatophore was removed by dissecting the female bursa. Samples were collected immediately after mating.
Virgin females at 24 hours (VF24) - Female moths that had not mated and were allowed to progress for 24 hours after the initial sample collection.
Mated females at 24 hours (MF24) - Female moths that had successfully mated, and the male spermatophore was removed. Samples were collected 24 hours after mating.
Among the different groups for which comparison was made, we received following information
Up-regulated: 04
Down-regulated: 00
Neutral:13203
Up-regulated: 89
Down-regulated: 757
Neutral: 12361
Up-regulated: 01
Down-regulated: 01
Neutral: 13205
Up-regulated: 08
Down-regulated: 480
Neutral: 12719
Up-regulated: 00
Down-regulated: 01
Neutral: 13206
Up-regulated: 31
Down-regulated: 03
Neutral: 13173
Different images of fall armyworm, loss caused by them and experimental setup.
