Genomic perspectives on the evolution of fall armyworm subpopulations

Since its invasion in the Eastern Hemisphere, the fall armyworm (<italic>Spodoptera frugiperda</italic>) has rapidly become one of the world's most destructive invasive species. Its explosive spread and severe damage to crops have brought this originally regionally distributed pest into global focus and made it a hot topic in agricultural pest research. It has prompted a series of biological and ecological studies, including systematic research on host selection, population dynamics, insecticide resistance, and more, gradually revealing the biological foundations of the pest and enabling a more comprehensive understanding of its impact. However, to date, knowledge about the genetic properties of fall armyworm strains and the mechanisms behind its invasion and outbreaks remains incomplete and requires further investigation. This review systematically summarizes recent research progress on fall armyworm from the perspective of genomics and molecular biology, providing scientific insights and prospects for understanding strain differentiation and population evolution in this species.