In a breakthrough that could reshape pest management in agriculture, Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have identified naturally occurring fungi and bacteria that show promising potential to control the invasive fall armyworm. This pest, notorious for its rapid spread and devastating impact on crops, may soon be met with an eco-friendly, highly effective biological control method that could save millions in crop losses and protect food security both nationally and globally.
The Menace of the Fall Armyworm
Since its first detection in Australia in 2020, the fall armyworm has rapidly earned a reputation as one of the most destructive agricultural pests. Originating from the Americas, this voracious caterpillar has swept across the country, laying waste to crops including corn, wheat, sorghum, millet, sugarcane, vegetables, and cotton. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the pest can reduce yields by up to 73 per cent, posing a threat to the food security of more than 600 million people worldwide.
The fall armyworm’s ability to move quickly over vast distances—covering areas from the Torres Strait to Tasmania within a year—has rendered conventional chemical insecticides largely ineffective. Its rapid development of resistance to many of these chemicals, combined with its elusive and fast-spreading nature, has led experts to describe it as “impossible to eradicate or control.” As farmers watch their crops dwindle and production costs soar, the need for innovative, sustainable solutions has never been more urgent.
A New Approach: Biological Control with Native Organisms
Amid mounting frustration over conventional chemical methods, two independent research projects in Australia have made promising strides in using native biological agents to combat fall armyworm. These projects focus on leveraging local fungi and bacteria that naturally target and kill the pest without the environmental downsides of traditional insecticides.
Queensland DPI’s Breakthrough with Fungal Biocontrol
One of the most notable discoveries comes from Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries, where researchers have been investigating the potential of a pathogenic fungus, Nomuraea rileyi. This fungus, which has been known to infect various insect species, has now shown a remarkable ability to kill fall armyworm larvae within 24 hours. Dr. Ian Newton, principal entomologist at DPI, explained that the fungus acts similarly to an insecticide by coating the worm’s body and gradually consuming it from the inside out.
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“The beauty of using Nomuraea rileyi as a biocontrol agent lies in its natural occurrence and the low likelihood of resistance development,” said Dr. Newton. “Unlike synthetic insecticides, which pests can quickly learn to resist, the biological properties of this fungus make it a robust option for long-term management of fall armyworm populations.”
In extensive laboratory trials, DPI scientists exposed fall armyworm specimens to cultures of Nomuraea rileyi and observed a consistent mortality rate within a day of exposure. The efficiency of this method not only promises rapid control of the pest but also reduces the chemical load on the environment—a win for both farmers and ecological sustainability.
CSIRO’s Parallel Investigation with Native Bacteria and Fungi
Simultaneously, the CSIRO has been exploring the use of other native Australian fungi and bacteria as a means to curb the pest’s spread. In a four-year study published in the peer-reviewed journal Agriculture, CSIRO researchers discovered that several strains of native fungi could kill fall armyworm caterpillars within 24 hours. This rapid action is unprecedented compared to conventional biocontrol methods, which often require several days to take full effect.
Dr. Bea Apirajkamol, one of the lead scientists at CSIRO, expressed her astonishment at the speed with which these fungal strains worked. “It is unusual for a fungus to be so effective in such a short timeframe,” she noted. “The fact that these native strains can kill fall armyworm almost immediately opens up a new frontier in biocontrol research.” Like the DPI’s findings, CSIRO’s research also suggests that these native organisms produce specific toxins that are lethal to the pest, although the exact biochemical pathways remain under investigation.
While the DPI project appears to be on the cusp of commercialization, pending regulatory approvals, CSIRO’s work is still in its early stages. Researchers at CSIRO caution that further study is needed to understand the full potential and any limitations of these native biocontrol agents. “There’s a lot more research that needs to be done,” Dr. Apirajkamol admitted. “Our initial results are extremely promising, but we need to ensure that these agents can be safely and effectively scaled up for use in diverse field conditions.”
Advantages Over Chemical Insecticides
The promise of biological control using native fungi and bacteria lies in several key advantages over traditional chemical insecticides:
- Rapid Action: Both the DPI and CSIRO studies have demonstrated that these biocontrol agents can kill fall armyworm larvae within 24 hours. This swift action is critical in curbing the rapid spread of the pest, especially during peak infestation periods.
- Reduced Resistance: Unlike chemical insecticides, which pests can eventually become resistant to, the natural compounds produced by these fungi and bacteria present a complex challenge to the pest’s survival mechanisms. “There’s almost no chance of resistance to these biologicals,” Dr. Newton said. This means that these methods could remain effective for much longer, reducing the need for repeated applications.
- Environmental Safety: Chemical insecticides often have significant negative impacts on non-target species and the broader environment. In contrast, biological control agents derived from native organisms are more eco-friendly. They target the fall armyworm specifically, minimizing collateral damage to beneficial insects and surrounding ecosystems.
- Cost-Effectiveness: In addition to their environmental benefits, biological control methods can be more cost-effective over the long term. By reducing reliance on expensive chemical pesticides and decreasing crop losses, these methods offer farmers a sustainable and economically viable solution to pest management.
Path to Commercialization and Future Research
The promising results from these studies have ignited hope among farmers and agricultural stakeholders. Researchers are now working towards the commercialization of these biocontrol products, with the DPI indicating that their product could be available soon pending regulatory approvals. The potential for rapid deployment means that farmers could start to see relief from fall armyworm infestations in the near future, transforming pest management practices in the agriculture sector.
However, several challenges remain. Regulatory approval processes must ensure that these biocontrol agents are safe for widespread use and do not inadvertently affect non-target species or disrupt local ecosystems. Field trials under diverse environmental conditions will be crucial to validate laboratory findings and fine-tune application methods.
Furthermore, scientists are exploring potential synergies between these native biocontrol agents and other sustainable farming practices. For example, combining fungal treatments with crop rotation, intercropping, or the use of natural predators could enhance overall pest control strategies, making them more robust and adaptable to different agricultural systems.
Looking ahead, researchers at both DPI and CSIRO are planning additional studies to better understand the molecular mechanisms by which these fungi and bacteria kill fall armyworm larvae. Unraveling these mechanisms could lead to further improvements in formulation and application techniques, ensuring maximum efficacy while minimizing any potential risks. “We’re not just looking to control the pest; we’re aiming to completely change how we approach pest management in agriculture,” Dr. Apirajkamol said.
Implications for Global Food Security
The fall armyworm is not just an Australian problem; it is a global menace that threatens food security in over 80 countries, impacting the livelihoods of millions of farmers worldwide. Innovations in biological control methods, such as those being developed in Australia, have the potential to be adapted and deployed in other regions facing similar challenges. By providing a sustainable, low-resistance solution to pest control, these breakthroughs could significantly reduce crop losses and improve food production on a global scale.
For many developing countries, where chemical insecticides are often prohibitively expensive and environmentally damaging, native biocontrol agents offer a glimmer of hope. Collaborative international research and technology transfer could ensure that these innovations benefit not just Australian farmers, but agricultural communities worldwide.
Conclusion
The discovery of native Australian fungi and bacteria capable of controlling the fall armyworm represents a major leap forward in agricultural pest management. By harnessing the natural properties of these organisms, researchers are paving the way for a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to chemical insecticides—one that could revolutionize how farmers protect their crops against this relentless pest.
As these biocontrol methods move closer to commercialisation, the agricultural industry watches with hopeful anticipation. With regulatory approvals on the horizon and further research underway, the future may soon hold a more secure and sustainable approach to managing one of the world’s most damaging agricultural threats.
For now, farmers in Australia and beyond can look forward to an innovative solution that not only promises to halt the devastating impact of fall armyworm infestations but also contributes to a greener, more resilient agricultural future.
