Invasion Dynamics and Migration Patterns of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Shaanxi, China

Zhanfeng Yan ^1,2, Xiaojun Feng ³, Xing Wang ¹

⁰Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.

Insects +

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June 25, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) invasion in Shaanxi is driven by migration, not overwintering, with rice-strain dominance. Understanding these patterns is key for effective pest management strategies.

Area Of Science

Agricultural Entomology
Invasive Species Ecology
Molecular Ecology

Background

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major invasive pest impacting global agriculture, particularly maize production.
Its rapid spread and adaptation necessitate research into invasion dynamics, migration, and genetic makeup for effective control.
Shaanxi Province, China, serves as a crucial region for studying pest movement due to its transitional climate.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the invasion dynamics, migration patterns, genetic diversity, and overwintering capacity of the fall armyworm in Shaanxi Province, China.
To provide data for developing targeted and sustainable pest management strategies against this invasive species.
To understand the role of climate in limiting the year-round presence of the fall armyworm.

Main Methods

Field surveys were conducted from 2019 to 2023 to monitor initial fall armyworm (FAW) infestations.
The HYSPLIT model was used to simulate migration trajectories based on pest occurrence and meteorological data.
Genetic analysis of 113 FAW individuals (mitochondrial COI and nuclear Tpi genes) and a pupal overwintering experiment were performed.

Main Results

Fall armyworm (FAW) infestations in Shaanxi showed delayed annual onset, with significant interannual variation.
Three main migration routes into Shaanxi were identified, originating from Sichuan, Hubei-Chongqing, and Henan.
Genetic analysis indicated a prevalence of the rice-strain FAW, with some corn-strain variants in northern areas. FAW pupae could not survive Shaanxi winters.

Conclusions

Fall armyworm (FAW) populations in Shaanxi are primarily established through seasonal migration, as overwintering is not viable.
Understanding FAW migration routes and genetic composition is crucial for effective, targeted pest management in Shaanxi.
The inability to overwinter highlights the influence of regional climate on FAW distribution, informing early warning systems and sustainable control strategies.

Keywords:

invasive pest migration route molecular characterization overwinter