What characteristic damage is associated with fall armyworms?

Fall armyworms are known for causing specific types of damage to crops, particularly through their feeding habits. The characteristic damage associated with them includes ragged-edge holes on developing leaves. This is due to their behavior as leaf-feeding caterpillars, which consume the tissue between the leaf veins, leaving behind a jagged appearance. This feeding method not only affects the aesthetic quality of the plants but also their overall health and productivity, as the leaf area is reduced, impacting photosynthesis.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the typical damage associated with fall armyworms. Feeding on roots is a trait more common to other pest species, while wilting of the entire plant could indicate issues such as water stress or root damage rather than specific action from fall armyworms. Fungal growth on leaves relates more to plant diseases rather than direct insect damage. Thus, the presence of ragged-edge holes on leaves is a clear indicator of fall armyworm activity and is the most appropriate characteristic of their damage.