Utility of DNA barcoding for rapid species diagnostics of armyworms (Noctuidae) affecting rice crops in NSW

Abstract

Key findings • Morphologically ambiguous armyworm larvae sampled in two Riverina rice fields during 2018–19 were reared through to adult moths and identified as common armyworm (Mythimna convecta) and sugarcane armyworm (Leucania stenographa). • Parasitised larvae which did not yield adults were identified to species by matching their DNA barcodes to vouchered armyworm sequence accessions. • Serial amplification methods ensured DNA barcodes obtained from parasitised larval and/or pupal remnants were of the host moth and not its parasitoids. • DNA barcoding provided a novel indication that larval parasitoids in the region may be having a greater impact on sugarcane armyworm than on common armyworm.