Current status of the biological control of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda by egg parasitoids

The fall armyworm (FAW) is native to the Americas. It has invaded more than 100 countries worldwide since its first observation in West Africa in 2016. FAW is a highly polyphagous pest species, feeding on more than 350 plants species, including important staple and fiber crops. FAW has developed resistance to all chemical families and its eating behavior causes the larvae to be "protected" by the inner leaves of the plant, making interaction with pesticides difficult. Therefore, IPM strategies based on biological control have been emphasized. In this article, we review the progress of egg parasitoids of the FAW, including their biodiversity and bio-ecology, the impacting biotic and abiotic factors, the mass rearing and field application, and put forward prospects and suggestions. So as to provide systematic information for egg parasitoids joining the IPM strategy of FAW, and enhance the sustainable management of FAW in invaded regions.