Sex pheromones for control of Fall armyworm
The fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) is a very damaging pest of horticultural and grain crops that can proliferate in vast numbers, devastating production, and can disperse rapidly over massive distances. Native to the Americas, FAW has recently invaded Southeast Asia, Asia, the Middle East, Near East, Africa and is now present in Oceania, including Australia. Pheromone products have been developed for monitoring, mass trapping and mating disruption of FAW in some regions of the world. However, due to geographical variation of the female sex pheromone, lures that are effective in one region underperformed or completely failed when tested in other populations.
This project seeks to optimise pheromone blends in lures for monitoring and mass trapping as well as for application in mating disruption, leading to attractants that are more effective for FAW and also minimise ‘by-catch’ of other species.
Phase 1 investigates geographic variation in the sex pheromone of Australian FAW populations in New South Wales, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland, and compares the effectiveness of commercially available lures at those locations. The genetic basis of geographic variation in FAW sex pheromones will also be investigated.
Phase 2, based on the proportions of the compounds found in natural blends, will synthesise new blends that are specifically suitable for each region.
Phase 3 will guide development of mass trapping and mating disruption techniques as effective pest management tools, and will consider the prospects for area wide management of FAW and integrated pest management that includes biological control and cultural practices aimed at reducing the use of chemical pesticides.
Funding: Horticulture Innovation Australia.
Partners: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Cervantes Agritech, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Western Australia Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development, Northern Territories Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Ltd and Ekokimiko IPM Pty Ltd.
Contact: Vivian Mendez, vivian.mendez@mq.edu.au