Selection and molecular identification of specific entomopathogens in South Sulawesi and the pathogenicity to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda JE. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract Background Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), known as fall armyworm (FAW), is a wide-scale invasion pest that resulted in crop yield loss and certainly caused critical economic damage. Therefore, several control strategies such as the application of entomopathogen agent to control the population can be applied. The study aimed to designate and identify the candidate entomopathogens fungi (EPF) from South Sulawesi to control FAW. Results The research was conducted in several stages: field exploration, isolation, purification, bioassay, and morphological or genetical identification of selected fungi. The identification found out that: Sarocladium strictum, Talaromyces purpureogenus, and Aspergillus terreus had significant mortality percentages and incubation time in killing FAW. The highest mortality percentage was obtained in the case of the A. terreus (MLN8) isolate with an average mortality of 83.33% (2 days after incubation); A. terreus (4b) with an average mortality of 76.67% (4 days after incubation); both S. strictum (3) and T. purpureogenus (2B) required 3 and 5 days to control FAW, respectively, with 73% mortality percentage. Conclusion Ultimately, the exploration of several areas in South Sulawesi discovered potential EPF to suppress the FAW population biologically. Therefore, the identification of those EPFs contributes to FAW strategies control and the development of biopesticides.