Genomic diversity of the globally invasive crop pest, the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a migratory pest that is native to tropical and subtropical regions in the Western hemisphere. Since the first detection of outbreaks in Africa in 2016, FAW has colonized and regularly caused crop damage in African and Asian countries in the Eastern hemisphere. However, the geographical origin and genetic background of these invasive populations require a more in-depth exploration. Therefore, this project focuses on the use of genomic, resequencing, and metagenome data to reveal the FAW population differentiation and explore FAW biological control microbial pathogens. The main chapters of this study are: 1) to analyse the global FAW population structure and reveal the genetic origin of invasive populations in the Eastern hemisphere; 2) to study the diversity of FAW populations in Africa, the early invasive regions in the Eastern hemisphere; 3) to identify the genomic recombination and introgression during the rapid adaptation of FAW populations; 4) to analyse the microbial composition and distribution in different FAW populations to further identify potential microbial natural enemies. The result of this project is expected to enhance understanding for the control and prevention of FAW and similar invasive species.