First report of Spodoptera frugiperda in Jordan
The NPPO of Jordan recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae – EPPO A1 List) on its territory. Moths collected by sex pheromone traps which were placed near commercial maize fields (Zea mays) in the northern Jordan Valley, as well as larvae feeding on maize, were sent to the University of Jordan Insect Museum, School of Agriculture, on the 9th of September 2020. Based on morphological characteristics of adult males including genitalia, chaetotaxy of larvae, and external morphology of pupa, the samples were identified as Spodoptera frugiperda.
For the moment, no significant damage has been observed on infested plants. Intensive surveys and monitoring using pheromone traps will be continued in the infested area and in other agricultural areas. In addition, public awareness campaigns will be conducted. Control campaigns will be conducted if needed, especially in maize fields.
The pest status of Spodoptera frugiperda is officially declared as: Present in a limited area (North Shunah).
Sources
NPPO of Jordan (2020-09).