Chlorantraniliprole Resistance and Associated Fitness Costs in Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda): Implications for Resistance Management

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) represents a major threat to maize production across Pakistan, with chemical control serving as the predominant management approach. The intensive application of insecticides, particularly diamide compounds such as chlorantraniliprole, has escalated concerns regarding resistance evolution in field populations. This study evaluated the insecticidal efficacy of seven commonly used compounds against geographically diverse field-collected populations of S. frugiperda from major maize-growing regions of Pakistan, revealing significant inter-population variability in susceptibility profiles. Chlorantraniliprole was selected for comprehensive transgenerational screening based on moderate baseline LC₅₀ values and optimal laboratory colony establishment parameters. A representative field strain underwent six consecutive generations of selection pressure at LC₇₀ concentrations, resulting in a 4.48-fold increase in resistance levels with a realized heritability (h²) of 0.198. Predictive modeling using established quantitative genetic frameworks demonstrated that resistance evolution rates are critically dependent on both selection intensity and genetic parameters. Under constant h² = 0.198, increasing selection intensity substantially accelerated resistance development, with 10-fold resistance achievable in approximately 18 generations at 80% selection intensity (slope = 2.696) compared to 36 generations at lower intensities (slope = 4.696). Sensitivity analysis revealed that heritability variations from 0.148 to 0.248 could reduce generation requirements from >40 to ~25 generations when slope was maintained at 3.696. Life table analyses of the chlorantraniliprole-selected strain demonstrated significant fitness costs manifested as extended developmental periods, reduced reproductive output, and decreased intrinsic rate of population increase (r), indicating evolutionary trade-offs associated with resistance acquisition. These findings provide crucial insights for developing sustainable management strategies, highlighting the importance of integrating resistance monitoring, refuge-based approaches, and rotation with insecticides of different modes of action to delay resistance buildup in field populations. Such data-driven management frameworks are vital for maintaining the long-term efficacy of diamides in Pakistan's maize production systems.

Keywords: Spodoptera frugiperda; chlorantraniliprole resistance; fitness cost; integrated pest management; life table analysis; realized heritability; resistance management.

Figure 1

Collection sites of fall armyworm in Punjab, Pakistan.

Figure 2

Estimated number of generations required for a 10-fold increase in chlorantraniliprole resistance in S. frugiperda under varying selection intensities. (A) Influence of different slope values (2.696, 3.696, and 4.696) with constant realized heritability (h² = 0.198). (B) Influence of different realized heritability values (h² = 0.148, 0.198, and 0.248) with a fixed slope (3.696).

Figure 3

Age-stage specific survival rate (s_xj) for the laboratory strain (Sfr-WT) and chlorantraniliprole-selected strain (Sfr-SEL-F₆) of S. frugiperda against chlorantraniliprole.

Figure 4

The survival rate (l_x), female age-specific fecundity (f_x9), age-specific fecundity of total population (m_x), and age-specific net maternity (l_xm_x) for the laboratory strain (Sfr-WT) and chlorantraniliprole-selected strain (Sfr-SEL-F₆) of S. frugiperda against chlorantraniliprole.

Figure 5

Age-stage specific life expectancy (e_xj) for the laboratory strain (Sfr-WT) and chlorantraniliprole-selected strain (Sfr-SEL-F₆) of S. frugiperda against chlorantraniliprole.

Figure 6

Age-stage specific reproductive value (v_xj) for the laboratory strain (Sfr-WT) and chlorantraniliprole-selected strain (Sfr-SEL-F₆) of S. frugiperda against chlorantraniliprole.