Geographical origin identification of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) based on trace element profiles using tobacco as intermedium planted on soils from five different regions

Spodoptera litura (S. litura) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a worldwide agricultural pest which can feed on >389 species of industrial crops, has been becoming the most important pest in tropical and subtropical countries. The purpose of this study was to establish an effective strategy to identify the geographical origins of such species and adopt appropriate responses for eradication campaigns. The concentrations of seven trace elements (Al, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cr, Sr) in 25 samples reared from five different regions' soils in China were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The results showed significant differences among soil samples and S. litura samples collected from diverse regions in terms of the contents of all elements, respectively. In addition, four elements (Ca, Fe, Zn and Sr) showed significantly correlations (P