Since first detected in China in January 2019, fall armyworm has spread across 27 provinces and infested more than 1.30 million ha of corn. As the occurrence and management of fall armyworm remain unclear in China, the team led by Prof. Wang Zhenying developed a new real-time system to monitor fall armyworm population dynamics based on the accurate clarification of the biology and occurrence of this pest. They developed novel bioinsecticides, seed treatments, tiny granules, and UAV spraying technology. These integrative technologies represent a milestone in fall armyworm management, boosting significant efficacy in fall armyworm control. This management strategy has been applied on a large scale in agricultural practice nationwide and recommended by FAO for fall armyworm control. It was also entitled as one of the ten piloting techniques of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs of China in 2021.

Broadcasting of tiny granules by UAV to control fall armyworm

Prof. Wang Zhenying investigated fall armyworm infestation on corn