One Pest, Multiple Origins. Genomic Insights into the Invasion and Adaptation of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Ethiopia

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a highly destructive insect pest originally from the tropical Americas. It mainly attacks maize and rice but can feed on hundreds of plant species, making it a serious threat to food production. In 2016, it was detected for the first time outside the Americas, in West Africa, and has since spread rapidly across Africa and to parts of Asia and Australia. In Ethiopia, fall armyworm was first reported in 2017 and has since caused significant damage to maize, sorghum, rice, and other crops. However, little was known about the genetic characteristics of the pest invading Ethiopia. This study investigated the genetic diversity and origins of fall armyworm populations in Ethiopia and examined their relationship with populations from other parts of the world. The study also identified genetic changes linked to potential resistance to commonly used insecticides, providing valuable information for improving pest monitoring and management.