Genomic diversity of a globally invasive crop pest, the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda

The fall armyworm is a highly destructive crop pest that has rapidly spread from the Americas to the Eastern Hemisphere since 2016, posing a major threat to global food security. However, key questions about its genetic origins and invasion pathways remain unresolved. This PhD research uses molecular markers and whole-genome sequencing to analyse global populations, revealing the pest’s population structure, genetic background, and likely invasion sources. New genetic markers were developed to improve strain identification and tracking. The research also explores the microorganisms associated with this pest, highlighting potential opportunities for biological control. Together, these findings improve our understanding of fall armyworm population differentiation and invasion history, supporting better monitoring and more sustainable pest management strategies worldwide.