Fall Armyworm Symposium: Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Host Strain Reproductive Compatibility

The reproductive compatibility between fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), host strains (corn and rice) and the impact of colony age on reproductive potential were evaluated. Incompatibilities in interstrain matings were not observed and strains successfully mated in both directions. The number of fertile intrastrain and interstrain females ranged from 50 to 100% and 80 to 100%, respectively. Egg mass numbers were greater when colony age of corn females was older (25+ yr). Colony age of corn or rice males in the intrastrain and interstrain matings was less important in the number of egg masses produced than colony age of the corn females. In contrast, the number of egg masses oviposited was greater when colony age of rice females was younger (< yr and 1 yr). Regardless of strain, the younger the colony age the greater the number of viable eggs. Fewer viable eggs were produced as the period of colonization was extended, particularly period of colonization of females.