Host-associated races of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and their implications to the insecticide resistance management

Abstract

The knowledge of intraspecific variability in insect pest population is crucial to implementing integrated pest management programs. The differentiation of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) in two host-associated races, rice and corn races, has revealed differences in behavioral, physiological, reproductive and migratory patterns, among others. In this research proposal, we will evaluate the impact of the coexistence of these two races of S. frugiperda under field conditions on the evolution of resistance to insecticides. We will conduct studies to: i) isolate pure rice and corn races of S. frugiperda by using nuclear molecular markers from field-collected insects, ii) characterize the susceptibility of rice and corn races to major insecticides used to control S. frugiperda, iii) investigate the level of expression of some genes associated to detoxification enzymes in teflubenzuron-resistant and susceptible strains of both host-associated races of S. frugiperda, e iv) evaluate the fitness cost associated to teflubenzuron in both races of S. frugiperda when fed on maize plants. Thus, this project will inform if the coexistence of host-associated races of S. frugiperda will impact the evolution and management of resistance to insecticides.