The differential effects of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugipera) herbivory on soybean (Glycine max) accessions

Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most important sources of plant protein in the world for both humans and animals. Soybeans make up more than 90% of all oil seed production in the United States and is second only to corn in crop area. A major pest of soybean is the Fall Armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugipera) which has a wide range across North America and has begun encroaching on Asian and African countries as well. As global temperatures rise, and droughts become more prevalent because of climate change- growers are turning to soybean accessions that demonstrate better water use efficiency (WUE) traits to maintain their production. However, there is little research on how these accessions respond to insect herbivory, and specifically FAW herbivory at different life stages. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of FAW feeding on soybean accessions with that vary in their WUE traits, by examining FAW growth and development traits along with plant defense responses. Our preliminary results show that accessions that vary in their WUE were differentially affected by FAW herbivory. Current studies are focused on examining physical and chemical defenses post FAW damage, and whether herbivory at different growth stages also affect soybean defense response.