Penulis: Dian Meithasari (NPM 2434101712) dan Darwin H. Pangaribuan (NIDN 0013016302), Mahasiswa Pascasarjana dan Dosen Jurusan Agronomi Hortikultura, Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Lampung
"Fall armyworms are known for their rapid life cycle, high reproductive capacity, and wide range of movement, all of which contribute to rapid population growth"
Introduction
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the major pests affecting food crops, especially maize, and has spread widely across various countries, including Indonesia. This pest exhibits a high level of adaptability to environmental conditions and control methods, making it a significant challenge for farmers and agricultural land managers. Fall armyworms are known for their rapid life cycle, high reproductive capacity, and wide range of movement, all of which contribute to rapid population growth. Damage caused by the fall armyworm can lead to crop yield losses of up to 20--50%, depending on the level of infestation and farming conditions.
One important aspect that has gained attention in recent research is the role of symbiotic microorganisms in the life of the fall armyworm. Symbionts are microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live in symbiotic relationships with insect hosts. The presence of these symbionts has a major impact on the physiology and resilience of the fall armyworm, aiding in digestion, pathogen resistance, and adaptation to insecticides. Certain gut bacteria, such as Enterococcus, Enterobacter, and Bacillus, are known to provide metabolic benefits to the fall armyworm by aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae show potential as effective biological control agents against fall armyworm populations. Symbiotic viruses, like the nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV), have also demonstrated the ability to infect and effectively reduce fall armyworm populations.
The dependence of fall armyworms on these symbionts presents opportunities to leverage these microorganisms for more effective and sustainable pest control. Further understanding of symbiont interactions with fall armyworms, especially in enhancing host resilience to environmental pressures and insecticides, can lead to the development of biological control strategies that are safer for the environment and human health. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential of symbionts in fall armyworms and to investigate their use as an alternative approach to sustainable pest control.
Role of Symbiotic Bacteria in Fall Armyworms
      Gut bacteria that live symbiotically with fall armyworms, such as Enterococcus, Enterobacter, and Bacillus, play a crucial role in supporting the host's metabolism. Dillon and Dillon (2004) showed that insect gut microbiota not only aid in digestion but also contribute to resistance against various environmental stresses. In fall armyworms, these bacteria assist in breaking down complex compounds in host plants, accelerating the digestion process, and enhancing nutrient absorption. Another study by Acevedo et al. (2017) found that symbiotic bacteria can enhance resistance to pathogens and provide adaptive advantages, ultimately improving the survival of fall armyworms against conventional pest control methods.
Baca juga: Â "Bioinsecticides from Symbiotic Spodoptera frugiperda for Sustainable Agriculture"
Entomopathogenic Fungi as Biological Control Agents
      Entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, are known as effective biological control agents against various insect pests, including fall armyworms. According to Quesada-Moraga and Vey (2004), these fungi can infect insect hosts through the cuticle, subsequently proliferating within the insect's body and causing death. In the context of fall armyworms, these fungi have the potential to naturally suppress populations in the field, especially when combined with other control methods. Further research is needed to identify the optimal environmental conditions for the effectiveness of these fungi in controlling fall armyworm populations across different agricultural ecosystems.
Role of Symbiotic Viruses in Controlling Fall Armyworms
