Genetic Characterization and Mating Disruption in Spodoptera Species, a Case Study on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae): A Systematic Review

The genus Spodoptera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) includes several agricultural pests that cause major losses in global crop production and threaten food security, notably Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797), an invasive pest that is difficult to manage. Mating disruption through the application of synthetic sexual pheromones has emerged as a viable alternative method for lepidopteran pest management. However, the successful application of this method requires knowledge of the pest under various environmental conditions and the evaluation of pheromone effectiveness. This systematic review aims to highlight advances and knowledge gaps in the genetic characterization and pheromone-based mating disruption of Spodoptera species, with implications for S. frugiperda management. A literature search following PRISMA guidelines identified 4523 articles, of which 107 met the inclusion criteria, 84 focused on genetic analysis, 16 focused on pheromone-based control, and only 7 integrated both approaches. The COI gene is the main genetic marker used for species identification (76%), but inconsistencies remain in the strain identification of S. frugiperda. Pheromone-based control studies reported variable efficacy, with many not evaluating their impact on pest populations or crop damage. Overall, this review highlights the need to standardize pheromone formulations and adapt management strategies tailored to local agroecological conditions. It also underscores the importance of integrating genetic identification to improve our knowledge of pests and support the sustainable management of S. frugiperda.