Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a destructive agricultural pest that has spread across many continents since 2016, including Australia where it is an established invasive species. The larvae feed on cotton, maize/corn, rice, sugarcane, wheat, sorghum, ginger, and many vegetable crops. Adult moths can fly hundreds of kilometres. The species is a serious threat to a wide range of primary industries across Australia.
Another emerging invasive pest of concern to Asia and Australia is the closely related African cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis). It is hypothesised that comparisons and understanding of spread pathways between the two related Spodoptera species will likely better prepare our region for the next emerging pest threat and reduce its spread potentials into Australia.
This project will explore the population genomics of both species, with an aim to identify hidden gaps and factors that underpin population establishment dynamics. This is an exciting opportunity to gain new skills in cutting edge genomics, bioinformatics and invasion biology.
Based on student interest, the project could also explore the pangenomics of possible biological control agents in Australia and Asia. These may include microbes, fungi or viral agents that can contribute to future environmentally responsible and sustainable management of the fall armyworm.
Aim: This project aims to apply population genomics to identify and compare establishment dynamics of fall armyworm and the likely next emerging pest threat in the related species: African cotton leafworm.
Meet the PhD student on this project
Esteve Mesen Porras
My name is Esteve and my research focuses in analyzing population genomics of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera sp., integrating novel molecular biology, bioinformatics approaches, and applying potential biological control agents to manage this invasive pest.
During my BSc at the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (TEC) and my MSc at the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), I developed microbial strategies to control important pests in Latin American, such as the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) and leaf-cutting ants (Atta cephalotes).
I have also worked as a researcher at the Centro National de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot-CeNAT-CONARE), where I gained experience extracting DNA and RNA from diverse matrices (including animal fur and feces, soil, sediment, spider venom, spring water, and sclerotized insect legs).
Outside of research, I enjoy 80s and 90s music, spending time with family and friends, jogging, relaxing in the beach, hiking in the mountains, cooking, and travelling.
Supervisors and advisors
Professor Peter Solomon, The Australian National University.
Wee Tek Tay, Commonwealth Scientific and Industries Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Karl Gordon, Rahul Rane, CSIRO Health & Biosecurity.
Andy Bachler, Tom Walsh, CSIRO Environment.
Approach
This project will begin with a literature review and development of a detailed project plan which may utilise the following:
- Published/publicly available genome datasets from globally diverse populations of the two related Spodoptera species.
- Populations of the two Spodoptera species sourced from global research networks and via field sampling.
- Samples of biological control agents.
- Whole genome sequencing using high-accuracy long-read technologies.
- Bioinformatic pipelines and evolutionary/population genomic analysis. This may include existing tools from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and new analytical approaches.
Want to know more? Email Sarah Adams, Chief Operating Officer, at plantbiosecurity@anu.edu.au or +61 459 341 281.