Integrated approaches to maximizing fall armyworm resistance in maize

Authors: Woolfolk, Sandra; Jeffers, Daniel; Hawkins, Leigh; UHDRE, RENAN - Washington State University; Ni, Xinzhi; Warburton, Marilyn

Submitted to: CABI Reviews
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/30/2025
Publication Date: 2/20/2025
Citation: Woolfolk, S.W., Jeffers, D., Hawkins, L.K., Uhdre, R., Ni, X., Warburton, M.L. 2025. Integrated approaches to maximizing fall armyworm resistance in maize. CABI Reviews. 20:1-13. https://doi.org/10.1079/cabireviews.2025.0013.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1079/cabireviews.2025.0013

Interpretive Summary: Fall armyworm (FAW) is a serious insect pest problem throughout the world which causes major loss in corn production. Managing this pest is quite challenging partly due to its ability to move to warmer weather regions and evolving resistance to control using pesticide or Bt corn. Although not easy, FAW can be managed using an integrated pest management approach. Scientists are studying resistance management variables because of FAW resistance to insecticides and Bt corn. In this review article, we discuss genetics and corn improvement by developing of native insect resistant germplasm, transgenic Bt traits, and gene identification studies. We also discuss different recent advancements to improve corn traits using techniques such as genome editing, genomic selection, high throughput phenotyping, and RNAi. These genetic improvement methods are promising; however, we are also aware that the environment has impacted the FAW spread, crop damage and corn resistance breeding. The increased number of FAW generations every year could be due to climate change. Correlation between predator abundance and host plant resistance are considered here as part of an integrated management strategy. We presented a few examples of the breakdown of Bt trait control as well as the development of FAW insecticide-resistant populations. With the predicted future challenges in FAW control along with the effect of climate change, an integrated insect resistance management (IIRM) approach is proposed. The IIRM is tying together genetics of the crop, the pest, and insect predators; all genetic and agronomic monitoring and control methods; and a changing environment.

Technical Abstract: Fall armyworm (FAW) is a serious pest of maize causing major yield loss throughout the world. FAW management is not straightforward primarily due to its lack of diapause, ability to migrate to warmer climates, and evolving resistance to control measures. Although challenging, FAW management can be achieved using an integrated pest management approach. As FAW develops resistance to Bt crops and insecticides, scientists are studying resistance management variables; in this review, we tie these variables together with known control measures. Here, we discuss genetics and maize improvement via development of native insect resistant germplasm, transgenic Bt traits for FAW management, gene identification studies to promote marker assisted selection, and various recent advancements to accelerate maize improvement such as genome editing, genomic selection, high throughput phenotyping, and RNAi. While genetic improvement techniques are promising, the environment has impacted FAW spread, crop damage and maize resistance breeding. The increased number of FAW generations annually that could be possible under climate change, and correlation between predator abundance and host plant resistance are considered here as part of an integrated management strategy. A few examples of Bt trait control breakdown and the development of FAW insecticide-resistant populations are presented. With the predicted future challenges in FAW control along with the effect of climate change, we propose an integrated insect resistance management (IIRM) approach for FAW control tying together genetics of the crop, the pest, and insect predators; all genetic and agronomic monitoring and control methods; and a changing environment.