Effective fall armyworm pheromone blends for improved monitoring and population estimation in Australia

Fall armyworm (FAW) has recently invaded and spread through tropical and sub-tropical Australia causing massive economic damage. Synthetic pheromone products are used for monitoring, mass trapping and mating disruption in sustainable FAW management overseas. FAW pheromones tend to have substantial geographic variation which can severely constrain efficacy of such tools. We will assess pheromone composition and responses of Australian populations to increase efficiency and specificity of management tools. The genetic and environmental basis of population variation will be assessed. Extensive field trials will produce industry guidance for the effective deployment of sustainable pheromone-based tools for area-wide pest management.