A researcher dissects a spodoptera frugiperda in a lab in Danzhou, South China's Hainan province, March 9, 2020. Spodoptera frugiperda, commonly known as fall armyworm, is an invasive alien species that causes heavy damage to crops. In order to prevent and control spodoptera frugiperda, a research institute in Danzhou enhanced the research of monitoring and prevention techniques of the species. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Chinese scientists have reported a chromosome-level assembled genome of the fall armyworm, a species that causes heavy damage to crops, the China Science Daily reported on May 11.

The research conducted by the Zhejiang University, the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences and other institutions also analyzed the mechanism of the fall armyworm's rapid global dispersal and invasion, providing a reference for the prevention and control of the species.

Researchers used advanced sequencing technology to sequence a fall armyworm sample collected from Zhejiang province and obtained a chromosome-level genome.

They identified 22,623 protein-coding genes and revealed the expansion of detoxification-associated gene families in the fall armyworm. They identified 221 taste receptor genes of the fall armyworm, which is far more than other insects.

The research provides theoretical support for analyzing fall armyworm's biological and genetic characteristics, paving the way for pest management as well as the development of new control methods.

The research was published in the journal Molecular Ecology Resources.