Insecticide resistance suppression in fall army worm using entomopathogenic nematodes

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith has gained significant attention globally owing to its extensive range of hosts, including field crops such as maize and sorghum. This pest causes extensive crop defoliation in numerous regions worldwide, leading to a considerable decline in crop yields, particularly for maize. The primary approach for managing this pest involves the use of synthetic insecticides. However, the fall armyworm exhibited a remarkable capacity to develop resistance to various modes of action. Recently, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have garnered increased attention as components of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for controlling a diverse range of insect pests. This poster showcases the findings of our study that explored the synergistic impact of EPNs, specifically Steinernema carpocapsae, and insecticides in suppressing the resistance of fall armyworms to pesticides.