Biotype identification and analysis of the overwintering population of fall armyworm in Fujian province, China
Author of the article:ZHAO Jin-Feng ZHENG Yu QIU Liang-Miao DING Xue-Ling YAO Feng-Luan HE Yu-Xian
Author's Workplace:Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Institute of Plant Protection, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou 350012, China
Key Words:Spodoptera frugiperda; overwintering population; biotype; molecular marker
Abstract:
[Objectives] The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith) is a
major, migratory, agricultural pest that invaded China in 2019. A field survey in February 2020 found an overwintering
population of S. frugiperda in the southern part of Fujian Province (Changtai and Zhangping counties). Clarifying the biotype of this
population will further understanding of its
genetic characteristics and population trends, and provide a foundation for
developing management methods. [Methods] Using
molecular markers, DNA from 35 S. frugiperda overwintering in corn
fields was amplified, sequenced and compared to compare their COI and Tpi gene fragments and biotypes, thereby clarifying the
characteristics of the overwintering population in Fujian. [Results] Cluster analysis of the COI gene sequence indicates that, despite being collected on maize,
all overwintering specimens were of the Rice-strain. However, sequence
comparison of the Tpi gene at several
key positions indicated that this was of the Maize-type. [Conclusion] The results indicate that the
overwintering population of S. frugiperda in Fujian is heterozygous, with genes from both the Rice and Maize biotypes.
There may be a risk of differentiation of the Rice-type in Fujian, posing a
threat to rice production in this and surrounding provinces.