Fall Armyworm in Africa:Which ‘Race’ is in the Race, and Why Does it Matter?

Fall armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda ) has already invaded almost half of Africa since its first observation in the continent in January 2016. At its current rate of invasion, the pest may conquer Africa before the end of 2017. Although this polyphagous pest feeds on more than 80 plant species, it is considered to be a ‘pest of grasses’, because of its overwhelming preference for Poaceae (or Gramineae).