First report of Spodoptera frugiperda in Saudi Arabia
Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae – EPPO A2 List) was first reported in Saudi Arabia in October 2021. Low level infestations were detected in maize (Zea mays) crops in the governorates of Najran and Al-Kora. Phytosanitary measures have been taken including destroying the infested maize crops, installing traps around the two infested sites, and spraying neighboring crops with appropriate pesticides.
The situation of Spodoptera frugiperda in Saudi Arabia can be described as follows: Present, not widely distributed.
Sources
IPPC News (2022-02-04) Fall armyworm detected in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. https://www.ippc.int/en/news/fall-armyworm-detected-in-the-kingdom-of-saudi-arabia/