Novel features, occurrence trends and economic impact of the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker) in China

Author of the article:JIANG Xing-Fu** ZHANG Lei*** CHENG Yun-Xia LUO Li-Zhi

Author's Workplace：State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pest, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy ofAgricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China

Key Words：Mythimna separata, occurrence and damage, tendency

Abstract：      The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker) is a key agricultural insect pest that damages important food crops, including maize, wheat and rice, and which consequently poses a major threat to food security in China. Aspects of the ecology of this species have changed in recent years. First, the area most seriously affected by this species has changed and its range has expanded. Second, the main generations causing crop damage have changed; the second and third generations are now the most serious infestations. Third, the extent to which different crops are damaged has changed; maize has become the most seriously damaged host plant. Fourth, although the general pattern of cyclical migration between South and North China remains unchanged, aspects of its migration have changed. Fifth, pesticide resistance has increased making the species more difficult to control. Sixth, aspects of its biology have changed resulting in stronger adaption to the environment. The reasons for these changes are analyzed and discussed.