CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated gene disruption: A novel strategy against fall armyworm

The Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith)) is a highly polyphagous pest, infesting over 80 plant species, notably maize, and causing significant agricultural losses worldwide. Traditional control methods face challenges due to the pest’s rapid resistance development and high reproductive capacity. The CRISPR-Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-associated protein 9) technology offers a precise approach to pest management by enabling targeted gene editing. Applications include disrupting genes vital for reproduction, such as those involved in sex determination, thereby reducing pest populations. Additionally, gene drive systems can propagate these modifications throughout populations, enhancing control efficacy. The CRISPR can also be employed to engineer crop resistance by modifying plant genomes to deter pest feeding. While promising, considerations regarding ecological impacts, ethical implications, and regulatory frameworks are essential for the responsible deployment of CRISPR-based strategies in managing S. frugiperda.