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Rapid Artificial Infestation Method for Assessing Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Damage on Maize
Caiyao Wu1, Weiting Chen1, Xinyu Guo1
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for the Development Biology and Environmental Adaptation of Agricultural Organisms, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
Insects
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Developing rapid infestation protocols for fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is crucial for evaluating insect-resistant maize. Standardized lab, screenhouse, and field methods accelerate resistance assessment, benefiting maize crop protection.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Plant Biotechnology
- Pest Management
Background:
- The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a significant global pest impacting maize yields.
- Transgenic insect-resistant maize presents a viable control strategy.
- Effective resistance evaluation necessitates rapid and standardized infestation protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and benchmark laboratory, screenhouse, and field methods for rapid resistance assessment of insect-resistant maize against fall armyworm.
- To optimize infestation protocols using different larval stages and maize tissues.
- To provide a framework for cost-effective and timely resistance evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory bioassays using L2 larvae on leaf/silk and L1 larvae on kernels.
- Screenhouse trials with L2 larvae on whole plants.
- Field trials utilizing L3 larvae on plants.
- Assessment of larval feeding damage and injury ratings.
Main Results:
- Laboratory assessments were possible within 2-3 days post-infestation.
- Screenhouse trials yielded reliable leaf-injury ratings by day 10.
- Field trials showed optimal outcomes with assessment on day 12.
- Protocols were adapted for different larval stages (L1-L4) and feeding substrates (leaves, silks, kernels).
Conclusions:
- Developed protocols offer a detailed and adaptable framework for fall armyworm resistance assessment in transgenic maize.
- These methods significantly reduce evaluation timelines and costs.
- Provides practical guidance for resistance evaluation in both controlled and open environments.
