PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a polyphagous pest that infest various plants. This highly invasive pest is native to the American continent and has spread rapidly over 100 countries worldwide. Its rapid spread and ability to cause severe damage to various crops, especially maize, pose a significant threat to food security, particularly in developing countries. Curative control using chemical insecticides is the primary choice in most countries, especially in Africa and Asia. However, dependence on chemical insecticides can have adverse effects on the environment and humans and can lead to the development of resistance to these pests. Therefore, various efforts have been made to develop effective, low-risk, and cost-efficient biocontrol measures. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are a viable and potential choice for the biological control of this pest. This review compiles information on FAW, EPNs, and their developmental stages, focusing specifically on the pathogenicity of EPNs against FAW. This contributes to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies addressing FAW infestations, which have caused severe maize crop losses in Malaysia since their detection in 2019. The potential for locally adapted EPN formulations tailored to Malaysia’s climate ensures their practical application in the field.