Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, (J.E. Smith), has been occurring on Maize (Zea mays) since 2018 in parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra and likely to spread to other states gradually, where intensive and extensive cultivation of maize is practiced. Subsequently the pest was reported on millets and rice crop from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka respectively.

Recently in July 2019, we have observed fall armyworm larvae feeding on Ginger (Zingiber officinale) foliage in Mudur village of Haveri district in Karnataka. The larvae were grown up and around fifth instar stage.

The presence of late instar larvae on ginger leaves with holes and feeding of leaf margins and fresh faecal matter indicated that the larvae were well established and have been surviving on the new host, Ginger. Considering the feeding potential of this pest, this finding marks the beginning of yet another challenge to the Indian farmers, particularly those in Ginger cultivation and also to the administrators and researchers. This is the first record of the FAW on Ginger in India.